SAN JOSE, Calif. — It's been seven years since Vincent Trocheck last attended NHL All-Star Weekend.
In addition to changing teams twice, to the Panthers, Hurricanes, and Rangers, a lot has changed in Trocheck's personal life as well.
That's what makes this year's trip to Toronto special for Trocheck, who will be joined by his wife, Hilary, and their two children, Leo and Lennon.
“I think that's the biggest thing for me,” Trocheck said of sharing the experience with his family, which includes his parents and his wife's parents. “my son [Leo], 5 years old, is a huge hockey fan and always talks about playing as an All-Star in video games. I was most excited for him to be able to witness that and see me at the All-Star Game. ”
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin was chosen to represent the Rangers because Artemi Panarin, the club's No. 1 All-Star, is unable to accompany his wife who is expecting a baby, but Trocheck is the most suitable second choice. He was definitely a candidate.
Trocheck is the second most consistent Rangers forward after Panarin, and he has been tied with Panarin for the past 37 consecutive games.
The 30-year-old center has 15 goals and 29 assists in 46 games.
Trocheck, who entered Tuesday night's game, was tied with Mika Zibanejad for second-most points on the Rangers (44 points) and tied with Chris Kreider for most points on the power play (9 points).
His face-to-face win rate of 62 percent ranks third in the NHL behind the Devils' Michael McLeod (65 percent) and the Stars' Jamie Benn (63.3 percent).
“It's a really well-deserved honor and an honor for him,” head coach Peter Laviolette said. “He's been very good to our team in all aspects of the game. Leadership. Faceoffs. Defensive play. Offensive play. His line, offensively, is creating offense. One of the top lines in the league as far as it goes. It's really good for him. He's earned it and he deserves it. I'm happy for him.”
Trocheck has done a little bit of everything for the Rangers since signing a seven-year, $39,375,000 contract in July 2022.
Not only does Trocheck play on the top power play unit, but he is also one of the top five penalty killers on the team.
The line with Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere is the Rangers' most consistent offensive line.
In 449 minutes and 45 seconds of on-ice time, the trio scored 24 and 25 goals against the Rangers, according to Natural Stat Trick.
They outscored their opponents 299-206 and held a 114-88 advantage in dangerous chances.
“I think about it a lot,” Trocheck said of how playing next to Panarin and Lafreniere for much of the season helped. “Obviously, chemistry with the players is important and having continuity with players who are compatible both in and out of the game helps a lot. Just knowing what to expect in each game. I think that was a big factor.”
