Carolina Hurricanes: Keys to Second Straight Game vs. Bolts

Feb 19, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Vincent Trocheck (16) skates with the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Trocheck Back to His Best

After acquiring Vincent Trocheck at the trade deadline last season, there were concerns that the Canes overspent to acquire him.

Trocheck did not perform to his standards to finish the regular season and in the postseason, leaving this season as a needed bounce back. Boy, has he bounced back.

Through 16 games, Trocheck is tied for the team-lead with fellow bounce back teammate Nino Niederreiter with nine goals, and is tied for the team-lead in points with 16. However, it isn’t just the production that is proving crucial in Carolina’s fantastic start.

Trocheck is centering one of the hottest lines in hockey right now, flanked by Niederreiter and Martin Necas. While Trocheck could be playing some of the best hockey of his career, he has helped Nino have a return to form and further helped grow Necas’ game into a game-breaking winger.

If the All-Star Game had not been canceled for 2021, I think Trocheck would be right there to make it. He has elevated his game to an elite level and has made his line-mates better in the process. He’s done everything right thus far this season, and the Canes need him to continue to make a big impact.