The Carolina Hurricanes opted not to re-sign Vincent Trocheck. Now, he's part of the reason they could head home early against the New York Rangers.
The New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes have played an excellent series thus far. All four of their contests have been one-goal games and incredibly close. However, the Rangers currently have a stranglehold on the series, sporting a 3-1 lead heading into Monday evening's Game 5.
The Rangers are in such a great place, thanks partly to center Vincent Trocheck. The 30-year-old has been dominant for the Rangers this post-season, posting five goals and 12 points in eight games.
Trocheck's play has picked up even more against the Hurricanes, as he has two goals and six points in just four games this series. His biggest moment came in Game 2, as he scored the game-winner in double overtime to give the Rangers a 2-0 series lead.
There's no question that Trocheck's success in this series stings for the Hurricanes. The Pittsburgh native was a Hurricane from 2019-20 to 2021-22, but the club elected not to bring him back when his contract expired. This opened the door for the Rangers to sign him to a seven-year, $39.375-million deal, which the Hurricanes must regret right now.
Trocheck has not only been successful offensively in this series but has also has made an impact with his agitating behavior. He has not been afraid to battle with and chirp at his old teammates, including Hurricanes star Sebastian Aho.
Trocheck has done a marvellous job getting under the Hurricanes' skin, and it's only allowed him to be a more significant difference-maker because of it. Having a player who does it all like Trocheck has been a massive reason for the Rangers' success this post-season, and the Hurricanes are experiencing it firsthand.
There is still time for the Hurricanes to get back into this series. However, regardless of what happens next, Trocheck is making them pay for not re-signing him.