New York Rangers reach 7-year deal with ex-Carolina Hurricanes center Vincent Trocheck

The New York Rangers have reached a seven-year deal with free agent center Vincent Trocheck, the team announced Wednesday.

Trochek, who led theCarolina Hurricaneswith six postseason goals, will make an average of $5.625 million against the salary cap,sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan.

"This was one of just a few teams that we really looked at and thought it was a good fit," Trocheck said. "So coming in, we knew that New York was probably our No. 1 choice."

Trocheck played for Rangers coach Gerard Gallant when both were with theFlorida Panthersfrom 2014-17. The Rangers had a need at center after lettingRyan Strome walk to free agency and when Andrew Copp, acquired at the trade deadline last season, opted to sign with the Detroit Red Wings.

"Me and my family both are elated to have the opportunity to play in New York," Trochek said Wednesday. "An original six team, playing at Madison Square Garden; as a kid, these are the kinds of things you dream of."

More was expected from the Hurricanes in the postseason, and a second-round loss to the Rangers -- with a seventh game on home ice -- is a sting that won't go away anytime soon. But Trocheck, who anchored the second line from his center position, was not to blame. In addition to his six playoff goals, Trochek finished with 31 shots on net in 14 games, averaging 18:21 time on ice along the way.

Acquired by Carolina in 2020 -- just in time for the Hurricanes to rise into the elite category of the Eastern Conference -- the Pittsburgh native completed his free agent résumé in coach Rod Brind'Amour's system. He graduated from 17 goals in 2020-21 to 21 last season, and although his career high in points (75) is still way back in 2017-18 on a developing Florida Panthers team, it's his credentials from Carolina that made him among the more appealing players available this summer.

Trocheck has the skill and speed to beat defenses with his offense, and the tenacity and toughness to frustrate them along the way, a combination that has resulted in a lucrative contract during a month in which he turned 29.

In other moves Wednesday, the Rangers agreed to terms with goaltenders Louis Domingue on a two-year deal and Jaroslav Halak on a one-year deal. New York also acquired defenseman Ty Emberson from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Patrik Nemeth, a 2025 second-round pick and a future conditional pick.