How The Carolina Hurricanes’ Trade Deadline Acquisitions Will Fit In

Vincent Trocheck

Though the package given up for Trocheck looks like a lot on the surface, when you really break it down it isn’t all that bad. Erik Haula was a UFA who was more than likely not going to be re-signed. Lucas Wallmark, who is precious, was a 4C on this team. Chase Priskie can’t skate at an NHL pace, and Eetu Luostarinen has bottom-6 potential.

Nobody the Carolina Hurricanes gave up in that deal was likely going to make real noise in the lineup. Trocheck however, who is just one year removed from a 31-goal, 75-point campaign, could very easily make some noise. He suffered an ankle injury which derailed his 2018-19 campaign, and a coaching change in Florida left his role diminished (he legitimately had defensemen skating on his wing at times).

As far as his impact this year, while his stats (10 goals, 36 points in 55 games) don’t look overly impressive on the surface, hockey mathematician Micah Blake McCurdy’s graphing-stats model paints Trocheck as a “good play-driving 5v5 player with strong impact on the powerplay”.

As far as his fit with the team, Don Waddell mentioned at his post-deadline press conference that Trocheck “is a top-6 player”, and it seems likely that Trocheck will slide in behind Sebastian Aho as the second-line center. Trocheck is also the first right-shot center the Canes have employed since Derek Ryan.

Coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed excitement in his new lineup addition:

"“That was two of our brothers in [the trade] … but management felt that this makes us better, and we’re getting a really good player [in Trocheck]. We’re getting a guy who fits exactly what our team is all about, and fills a need [as a right-shot center]. The negative is we lose 2 guys who were a big part of what we were doing.”"

Trocheck’s addition allows Jordan Staal to bump down to the 3C role, where he’s likely to be far more impactful as he won’t be as heavily relied on to create offense. Jordan Martinook likely shifts to 4C, and the Canes’ rotation of having an extra forward is no longer a problem.

Trocheck, who is signed for another 2 years at a reasonable $4.75M AAV, is just 26 years old. He plays all situations – he can kill penalties; and is a very effective powerplay forward – and gives the Hurricanes a dangerous 1-2 punch down the middle with him and Aho.

Not bad at all. Trocheck, who spent parts of 7 seasons in Florida, said the following about his trade to Carolina:

"“I can’t wait to get to Carolina. They’ve got a great team there and I’ve heard nothing but good things about the organization.”"

As far as his play-style, Trocheck thinks he offers more than just high-octane offensive ability:

"“Being [a pest] is what I’ve become as a player. There’s several guys who don’t enjoy playing against me.”"

Trocheck has stunning skating ability, and with 282 points in 420 career NHL games he’s a proven offensive threat. He’s quite electric, and will be a great addition into the Canes’ group, and he’ll likely play in the top-6.