The Utah Mammoth announced July 1, 2026, that they have acquired veteran forward Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Sean Durzi, forward Cole Beaudoin, and a 2027 third-round draft pick. The trade brings the 32-year-old center to Utah on a contract that runs through the 2028-29 season.
Veteran Leadership and Impact
The acquisition of Trocheck marks a significant addition to the Mammoth roster, as the organization seeks to build a championship contender. Utah Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong noted that the veteran's reliable two-way game and elite performance in the face-off circle will be critical for the team's progression.
Trocheck brings extensive special teams experience to the lineup. During the 2025-26 season with the Rangers, he averaged the fourth-most shorthanded ice time and fifth-most power-play ice time of any player on the New York roster. He was also one of only seven NHL skaters to log at least two minutes per game on both special teams units during that campaign.
In addition to his utility on special teams, Trocheck provides a physical presence. He finished second among Rangers skaters in hits with 193 during the 2025-26 season. He is one of only four NHL players to record at least 100 goals and 900 hits since the 2021-22 season, joining Tom Wilson, Brady Tkachuk, and Mammoth forward Lawson Crouse.
Departing Players and Prospects
The trade also sees the departure of defenseman Sean Durzi from the Utah roster. Chris Armstrong, the Utah Mammoth president of hockey operations, expressed gratitude for Durzi's contributions, stating that the 27-year-old will always hold a special place in Utah as an original member of the organization who played with high intensity.
Durzi recorded 5 goals, 22 assists, and 27 points during his 60 regular-season games with Utah in the 2025-26 season. He also added 4 points in six playoff contests. Originally drafted by Toronto in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft, Durzi has accumulated 144 points and 237 penalty minutes over 302 career games with Utah, Arizona, and Los Los Angeles.
Also moving to the Rangers organization is forward Cole Beaudoin. The Utah Mammoth noted that Beaudoin has a bright future ahead of him in the NHL. A former first-round pick by Utah in the 2024 NHL Draft, Beaudoin enters the trade following a productive tenure with the Barrie Colts of the OHL, where he recorded 221 points in 236 career games.
Statistical Excellence and Accolades
Trocheck enters his 14th NHL season with a decorated professional resume. Over his career, which includes stints with the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Rangers, he has played 868 games, totaling 239 goals, 392 assists, and 631 points. He is a two-time NHL All-Star, having participated in the 2017 and 2024 All-Star Games.
His recent performance highlights his consistency in the face-off circle. Trocheck has won at least 54.6% of his faceoffs in each of the last six campaigns. During the 2024-25 season, he achieved a career-high 59.3% win rate, which ranked third in the NHL among players with at least 300 draws.
Beyond individual statistics, Trocheck brings recent international success to Utah. He was a member of the Team USA squad that won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, recording three assists in six games. This victory marked the first Olympic gold medal for U.S. men's ice hockey since 1980.
Existing Team Connections
The move creates several immediate connections between Trocheck and the existing Utah Mammoth roster. The veteran forward has previously been teammates with Mammoth defenseman MacKenzie Weegar for parts of four seasons between 2017 and 2020, as well as Lawson Crouse during their time in the Florida Panthers organization.
Trocheck also shares a connection with team captain Clayton Keller, having played together on the United States Olympic team earlier this year. Furthermore, Trocheck and center Logan Cooley share roots in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the two players train together during the offseason.
According to a feature by the Utah Mammoth, Trocheck and Cooley are two of only four active NHL players from Pittsburgh, currently ranking first and seventh in scoring among Pennsylvania-born players in league history, respectively.
Professional Journey
Trocheck's path to the NHL began in his hometown of Pittsburgh before he moved to Michigan at age 13. He played youth hockey for the Pittsburgh Hornets and later competed for Little Caesars' AAA programs. His junior career saw him play for the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL, where he served as captain during the 2012-13 season.
After being drafted 64th overall by Florida in 2011, Trocheck made his NHL debut on March 7, 2014. He quickly established himself in the league, scoring his first NHL goal on March 14, 2014. Following his time with Florida, he was traded to Carolina in February 2020 and eventually signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers in July 2022.
Looking Ahead
The trade completes a significant summer maneuver for the Utah Mammoth as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. By securing Trocheck through 2029, the organization has added a proven leader and an Olympic champion to their core lineup.