NHL Rumors: Vincent Trocheck close to new deal with Panthers

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Florida Panthers are expected to announce a six-year extension with restricted free agent Vincent Trocheck in the near future.

The Florida Panthers have had an extremely busy offseason. They have rebuilt their blue line into arguably the strongest blue line in the Eastern Conference.

The scary part?

Florida’s not done yet. An extension with restricted free agent Vincent Trocheck has been long discussed. According to Elliotte Friedman, it could be announced very soon.

Trocheck had a breakout year during the 2015-16 season, emerging as one of the best young centers in the NHL. He had 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points in 76 games, more than double his previous career high of 22 points in 50 games. Trocheck started off the year as the Panthers’ third line center, but quickly moved up to the second line when Nick Bjugstad got injured. The second line center role was one that he never relinquished.

Florida has done a tremendous job this offseason. Usually, it is not wise to spend big money around July 1, but the Panthers have done so in an extremely efficient manner. They have used most of that money to extend Aaron Ekblad. Going after Keith Yandle and giving him a seven-year deal was a bold move, but also one that should pay immediate dividends. Signing Jason Demers for five years at $4.5 million a year is a huge bargain. Trocheck would be the icing on the cake to what has been an offseason to remember in Florida.

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