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Rangers center excited to share All-Star moment with his family
SAN JOSE, Calif. — It’s been seven years since Vincent Trocheck last participated in the NHL’s AllStar weekend.
Not only has he changed teams twice since then, going from the Panthers to the Hurricanes to the Rangers, but so much has changed in Trocheck’s personal life, as well. That’s what will make this year’s trip to Toronto so special for Trocheck, who will have his wife, Hillary, and two children, Leo and Lennon, to accompany him this time around.
“I think that’s number one for me,” Trocheck said of sharing the experience with his family, which will also include his parents and his wife’s parents. “My son [Leo], 5 years old, huge hockey fan and he talks about playing as the All Stars on his video games and stuff like that all the time. I was most excited for him to be able to kind of witness that and see me in an All-Star Game.”
While goalie Igor Shesterkin was chosen to represent the Rangers because the club’s No. 1 All Star, Artemi Panarin, isn’t available with his wife expecting another baby, Trocheck was without a doubt the most deserving second option.
Trocheck has been the next-most consistent Rangers forward to Panarin, with whom he has skated on a line in the last 37 games.
Through 47 games, the 30-year-old center has racked up 15 goals and 30 assists. After recording his 300th career assist in the Rangers’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Sharks, Trocheck moved ahead of Mika Zibanejad for the most points (45) on the Rangers. He was also tied with Chris Kreider for the most power-play goals (nine)
His 62 percent faceoff win mark entering Tuesday ranked third in the NHL.
“That’s a really well-deserved nod and honor for him,” head coach Peter Laviolette said. “He’s been so good for our team with all aspects of his game. Leadership. Faceoffs. Defensive play. Offensive play. His line, as far as offense goes and generating offense, they’re one of the top lines in the league. Just a really good thing for him, he’s earned it and deserves it. Happy for him.”
Trocheck has done a little bit of everything for the Rangers since he signed a seven-year, $39.375 million deal in July 2022. Not only does he play on the top power-play unit, but Trocheck is also a top-five penalty killer on the team.
His line with Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere has been the most consistent offensively for the Rangers.
In 449:45 of ice time, according to Natural Stat Trick, the trio has been on the ice for 24 Rangers goals and 25 against. They’ve out-attempted opponents 299-206, while also holding a 114-88 edge in high-danger chances.
“I think a lot,” Trocheck said of how much it’s helped playing next to Panarin and Lafreniere for a majority of the season. “Obviously, having chemistry with guys is important and then having that continuity, game in and game out, with the guys that you have chemistry with, it goes a long way. Just knowing what to expect each game. I think that’s been a big factor.”