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Vincent Trocheck

Eastern Notes: Barrie, Brassard, Trocheck

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Tyson Barrie tallied 28 goals and 116 points over the previous two seasons with the Colorado Avalanche and the general belief was that after the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired him in an offseason trade last summer, Barrie would continue that offensive success in Toronto. So far that’s not been the case as the 28-year-old blueliner has struggled to find his footing.

In fact, TSN’s Mark Masters writes that Barrie doesn’t look like the aggressive blueliner who dominated in Colorado. While he has five assists this season for the Maple Leafs, he only has one assist over his last 14 games.

“It’s different switching teams,” said Barrie, “and switching teams and coaches and the whole thing so you’re just trying to feel it out a little bit and I’m still feeling some teammates out and trying to get some chemistry going and its tough. I wish I had the answers for it.”

One significant difference is that in Colorado, he quarterbacked the power play, while in Colorado, Barrie has averages just 2:09 of power play for the game.

“We feel he’s gotten better & better. We really feel our pairs are starting to come, all three of them,” said head coach Mike Babcock. “Pairs take longer than lines, just because you’ve got to know the nuances of one another …. he’s going in the right direction, just like our team.”

  • Newsday’s Andrew Gross writes that with the return of winger Jordan Eberle to the first line, New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz opted not to return fill-in Derick Brassard back to centering the third line, where the veteran struggled at before Eberle’s injury. Instead, Trotz had Brassard join Brock Nelson as the team’s second-line winger in hopes of generating more offense from Brassard, who thrived on the wing. Brassard had a career-high five-game goal streak on Thursday, which was five games he was on the first line.
  • The Athletic’s George Richards reports that Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck was eased into the lineup Saturday in Florida’s game against the New York Islanders. Trocheck, who suffered a lower-body injury when blocking a shot against Nashville on Oct. 19, returned to the team’s second line, but played just 15:35. Head coach Joel Quenneville said he was trying to save him for Sunday’s game against the New York Rangers.

Atlantic Notes: Mete, Trocheck, Krejci, Miller

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The Montreal Canadiens don’t have a lot on their plate this offseason when it comes to their own free agents. However, that isn’t stopping the franchise from trying to sign defenseman Victor Mete, who is playing in the final year of his entry-level contract. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the Canadiens have already begun negotiations with the 21-year-old.

Mete surprised a few people several years ago when he made the roster out of training camp at 19 years old and his fast skating and defensive-first abilities might complement veteran Shea Weber. However, Weber got injured and Mete struggled, playing 49 games, but was often scratched due to the fact that he wasn’t ready. He settled in last season, playing 71 games and has been a solid defensive presence since then. Mete finally scored his first NHL goal last week after going scoreless in 126 straight games.

The Canadiens’ only other significant off-season contract that it will need to deal with other than Mete’s will be that of Max Domi, who will also be a restricted free agent next summer.

  • NHL.com’s Jameson Olive reports that Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck, who hasn’t played since Oct. 19 with an lower-body injury, was practicing with the team today in a yellow non-contact jersey. Trocheck who has a foot/ankle injury is travelling with the team and is listed as day-to-day. After a down season last year while dealing with a broken ankle, the team needs Trocheck to put up a big season. The 26-year-old has a goal and five assists in eight games.
  • NBC Sports’ Joe Haggerty writes that Boston Bruins center David Krejci, who is out with an upper-body injury, is expected to miss both games this weekend. However, the scribe adds that Krejci is close and should be able to return at some point next week with a likely date of Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks, although head coach Bruce Cassidy said a decision on that won’t be made until Monday. Haggerty also writes that defenseman Kevan Miller should be ready to practice at some point next week. Miller has been out with a fractured kneecap.

Vincent Trocheck Activated From Injured Reserve

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The Florida Panthers are about to get back a huge part of their team, as Vincent Trocheck has been activated from injured reserve. Trocheck wasn’t expected back until after the upcoming All-Star break, but could be in the lineup tonight when the Panthers take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Florida has sent Juho Lammikko to the minor leagues to make room on the roster, though Trocheck is still considered to be a game-time decision.

It’s been nearly two months since Trocheck last suited up for an NHL game, one that ended in quite a grisly sight for the fans in attendance. As the 25-year old forward chased a loose puck in the Ottawa Senators zone, he was tangled up with Ryan Dzingel and went down awkwardly. Even the broadcast audience could hear him shout in pain as he tried to get to his feet, and he would not return. It was revealed later that Trocheck suffered a broken ankle on the play that required surgery.

Off to another great start with 14 points in 18 games—including an assist in the first period of that game—Trocheck’s absence has been a huge problem for the Panthers through the first part of the season. The team was 8-7-3 after winning against those Senators, but have gone 9-13-5 since and fell almost completely out of the race in the Eastern Conference. There is enough time for the team to climb back up, but it will have to take some great hockey over the next few months. Getting Trocheck back is a huge part of that, but the Panthers will need to find more consistent play from the rest of their roster as well. The team has currently lost seven straight, and will take on a tough Maple Leafs team tonight that beat the league-leading Tampa Bay Lightning yesterday.

Atlantic Notes: Lightning, Trocheck, Backes, Schenn

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The Tampa Bay Lightning had two chances to acquire superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson to their lineup and while many still feel that they should have gone out and paid the price to bring one more superstar into their lineup, The Athletic’s Joe Smith (subscription required) looks back and feels the team should be thankful it didn’t do that when it had the chance.

While the Lightning seriously considered trading with Ottawa at the trade deadline and then again in the offseason, the team opted to go a cheaper route and bring in defenseman Ryan McDonagh. That trade was critical, according to Smith, who writes has been crucial to the team’s penalty kill, which was 28th in the league at the time of the trade last season. While he doesn’t contribute as much offensively, that’s one area of the game that Tampa Bay doesn’t need help on.

The scribe also points out that the team would have been forced to move Mikhail Sergachev in any deal to acquire Karlsson, and while the youngster has had an up-and-down season so far this year, the team still views Sergachev as a top-four defenseman and a key piece to the Lightning’s long-term future.

  • Wells Dusenbury of the South Florida Sun Sentinel writes that Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck is ahead of schedule in his rehab on his fractured right ankle that he suffered on Nov. 11. The 25-year-0ld returned to the ice both Friday and Saturday. “It was encouraging,” Panthers coach Bob Boughner said. “I talked to him and asked him how it was to be on the ice [Friday] and he said he was a little sore during the day, but he woke up real good today, so that’s a good sign after his first skate.” Boughner said that Trocheck definitely won’t be back until after the all-star break, but much will depend on how he feels with each step in his recovery.
  • Despite never having any success next to David Krejci, Boston Bruins forward David Backes filled in on the team’s second line alongside Krejci and Jake Debrusk and showed that he might be the answer to their team’s hole there, according to NHL.com’s Joe Haggerty. Backes scored the game-winning goal against Buffalo Saturday and looked like the perfect linemate after the team has cycled through Ryan Donato, Anders Bjork and Danton Heinen all failed to succeed there. The 34-year-old has seen his offense decline over the years from a 30-goal threat to a 14-goal season a year ago. With just four goals this season, the team would be thrilled if Backes could contribute in a top-six role in the future.
  • That report comes a day after Haggerty’s report that the Bruins have expressed interest in acquiring Brayden Schenn from St. Louis. While Haggerty writes that the team has shown considerable interest in Minnesota’s Charlie Coyle, the scribe writes that Schenn would be a much more intriguing option to fill the hole on the second line. While the 27-year-old center’s numbers have been down this year with just eight goals and 23 points, he is coming off a 28-goal, 70-point season last year and could be a big addition to a Bruins team if they opt to go out and get him.

Vincent Trocheck Out Indefinitely Following Surgery

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The Florida Panthers issued a statement today regarding the status of forward Vincent Trocheck, who required a stretcher to leave the ice surface after suffering a gruesome leg injury on Monday night. The forward and alternate captain will be out indefinitely following surgery to repair an ankle fracture. GM Dale Tallon expressed his belief that Trocheck will eventually be back.

Vinny is a tremendous competitor and leader for our club. It’s never easy to see a player and person like him suffer an injury like this, but we are confident that he will make a full recovery and be back on the ice with our team this season.

It is incredible news that Trocheck will make a return this season, given the optics of the injury. As he raced for a loose puck in the corner against the Ottawa Senators, his leg was caught underneath his body when tangling with Ryan Dzingel. The play was immediately blown dead while Trocheck was heard calling out in pain on the broadcast, and Senators players assisted trainers across the ice to help their fallen opponent.

The 25-year old center is a leader at both ends of the ice for the Panthers, and broke out last season with 31 goals and 75 points. He was off to another nice start this season with 14 points in his first 18 games, but will now likely miss a huge chunk of the year as he tries to come back. The Panthers have their eyes set on a playoff spot, but it will be even tougher to climb out of their early season hole without one of their star forwards. The team has recalled Denis Malgin to take Trocheck’s place on the roster, though he will certainly not fill his role entirely.

Panthers’ Vincent Trocheck Leaves Game On Stretcher

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Tuesday: Darren Dreger of TSN reports that Trocheck is undergoing surgery on his leg today, giving a long-term timeline for his recovery. It is a huge blow for the Panthers as they try to climb their way out of the Eastern Conference basement.

Monday: In a scary incident on Monday night in Ottawa, Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck was forced from the game with what appears to be a serious lower-body injury. Trocheck left the ice on a stretcher after a collision with Senators forward Ryan Dzingel along the end boards. The Panthers were quick to announce that Trocheck was being evaluated for his injury and would not return to the game.

The crash in question occurred late in the first period as Trocheck and Dzingel battled for the puck while skating toward the Panthers’ net (video). The duo got tied up and  Trocheck’s right leg was trapped under him as he fell backwards. The twisting of the knee, paired with Trocheck’s visible pain, would seem to indicate ligament damage and Florida will have to hold out hope that it is a strain rather than a tear, especially of the ACL. Such an injury would keep Trocheck sidelined for a long period of time. The incident looked similar to the injury suffered by Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz earlier this season and Schultz was given a four month recovery timeline.

Trocheck, 25, has 14 points in 18 games to date, including an assist earlier in this game. After a career 75-point campaign last year, Trocheck has established himself as a top offensive asset for the Cats. Trocheck is especially key to the power play, which could suffer during his likely absence. The slick center is a mainstay in the top-six for Florida, who will have to ask others in the organization to step up if they hope to avoid the ill effects of the injury.

Brendan Lemieux Suspended Two Games For Illegal Check

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The decision has been made on Winnipeg Jets forward Brendan Lemieux. The Department of Player Safety has suspended Lemieux for two games following his illegal check to the head of Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck. Lemieux delivered a check almost exclusively to the head of Trocheck, and was given a match penalty for the contact in addition to the fighting major he earned after MacKenzie Weegar initiated a fight. As the accompanying video explains:

It is important to note that the head is clearly the main point of contact on this hit, and that the head contact on this hit was avoidable. While Trocheck is playing the puck, he does not materially change the position of his head or body just prior to contact in a way that contributes to the head being the main point of contact on this hit. If Lemieux wants to deliver this check, he must take an angle of approach that hits through Trocheck’s shoulder and core rather than picking his head and making it the main point of contact.

Lemieux, 22, hasn’t faced any previous disciplinary action from the DoPS, but that’s not saying a lot considering his NHL career is just 18 games old. The 31st-overall pick from the 2014 draft, he was traded by the Buffalo Sabres as part of the Evander Kane deal several years ago and has racked up 328 penalty minutes in 125 AHL games. Though his physical play is encouraged and a big part of his game, there will be increased punishments by the league if he continues to engage in dangerous hits like this.

Trocheck returned to the game and finished with 19 minutes of ice time, luckily escaping a major injury. The Panthers aren’t back in action until Thursday, giving him some extra time to recover from any ill effects. Lemieux meanwhile will miss at least a week, given that the Jets don’t play again until Friday. He will be eligible to return to the lineup on Wednesday, November 14th.

Winnipeg’s Brendan Lemieux Will Get Hearing With Department Of Player Safety

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Sunday: The Department of Player Safety announced that Lemieux’s hearing will take place Monday afternoon.

Saturday: The Department of Player Safety announced that there will be a hearing for Winnipeg Jets forward Brendan Lemieux for his illegal check against Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck Friday in the NHL Global Series in Finland. No time and date have been set yet.

Lemieux clipped Trocheck directly in the head as he passed by him in the neutral zone (video here) during the second period of the game. Lemieux was given a match penalty, triggering an automatic review of the hit. Immediately after, Lemieux and Florida Panthers’ MacKenzie Weegar got into a fight with Lemieux ejected afterwards.

Lemieux, the son of former NHLer Claude Lemieux, is still trying to find his scoring touch as he hasn’t posted a point so far in nine games this season and only has one NHL goal to his name, picked up last season. The 22-year-old was a second-round pick back in 2014 and accumulated 300 penalty minutes in two seasons in the AHL.

Snapshots: Stone, Panthers, Olofsson

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As if being an Ottawa Senators fan wasn’t hard enough right now, a report surfaced this morning that suggested Mark Stone wanted out of the city when his contract expired at the end of this season. Stone settled with the Senators this offseason on just a one-year deal that will pay him $7.35MM this season and qualifies for unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2019. The 26-year old forward was asked about the report after practice today, and denied it vehemently.

I love it here. This has been a great month for me, I’ve enjoyed my previous four years here and I want to continue to be here. 

As a player you’re looking to win every time you step on the ice. No matter who you’re playing with, no matter who’s in the lineup you have to look at it the same way. Obviously [the Senators front office] has said they’re rebuilding, but I think for the guys in this locker room we’re looking to win hockey games and looking to win as many as we can.

Stone could potentially be one of the very best forwards available on the open market next summer if he decides not to re-sign with the Senators, and can’t actually put pen to paper on a contract extension until January 1st, 2019. Even if he is enjoying things right now, it’s a dangerous situation for the Senators to be in given their expected struggles this season. Still, Stone has never said anything to make Ottawa believe that he wouldn’t be willing to stay and was even in discussions on a long-term deal this offseason at one point.

  • Not only do the Florida Panthers have a new captain in Aleksander Barkov, but today they announced their entire leadership group. Keith Yandle, Aaron Ekblad, Vincent Trocheck and Jonathan Huberdeau will all wear an “A” as alternate captains at various times this season, solidifying that group of five as the core of the team going forward. Among them, only Yandle is older than 25 while Barkov and Ekblad are still just 22 and 23 respectively, giving the Panthers a chance to keep most of the group together for a long time. In fact, all five are signed through at least the 2021-22 season and should help Florida return to the playoffs at some point in the next few years.
  • Michael Russo of The Athletic (subscription required) is reporting that Gustav Olofsson has suffered another shoulder injury, and there is fear that it is serious. Olofsson underwent an MRI yesterday, but there has been no update from the team as of yet. The 23-year old defenseman played 41 games for the Wild last season and could have perhaps battled for a full-time spot had he not suffered the injury. Selected in the second round five years ago, Olofsson has been limited by injury throughout his professional career and will hope for good news this time around.

Poll: Who Are The Best Centers In The NHL?

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The NHL Network lit up the hockey world recently when they revealed their list of the Top 20 Centers in the league, ranking Connor McDavid as the best in the league ahead of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The number four slot was occupied by Auston Matthews, which ruffled some feathers, while the reigning Stanley Cup champions Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom were down at 13 and 14 respectively.

The Penguins (Croby, Malkin), Maple Leafs (Matthews, John Tavares), Capitals (Kuznetsov, Backstrom) and Oilers (McDavid, Draisaitl) all had two names on the list, while other potential options like Eric Staal, Vincent Trocheck, Jonathan Toews, Brayden Schenn, Brayden Point, Ryan O’Reilly, Sean Monahan and Dylan Larkin were all absent.

Since the NHL Network’s fan vote was so different—Jay Beagle ranked 20th on the list—we thought we’d do our own tally here at PHR. In the poll below we’ve listed many options and are asking you to vote for your top group by selecting 10 names. Does Matthews stay in the top five? Can defensive wizards like Anze Kopitar and Patrice Bergeron climb up the rankings? Does the PHR community believe in William Karlsson? Cast your vote for the top 10 centers in the league and make sure to leave a comment explaining your choices.

[Mobile users click here to vote]

*Though Claude Giroux has played center for much of his career, his absence from the NHL Network list means he was likely left off the ballot. We’ve similarly left him out of the poll, along with other part-time centers like Joe Pavelski, Blake Wheeler and Logan Couture. If you feel as though any of them should be included in this group, make sure to leave a comment down below.

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