Vincent Trocheck ended up in Utah this summer. But before that trade with the Rangers became official, the veteran center was eyeing a different destination altogether.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Trocheck was prepared to waive his no-trade clause to join the Buffalo Sabres. That nugget came out in the final episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast this season, and it adds another layer to an already busy offseason for both teams.
Buffalo has made some moves this summer. They’re not hiding the fact that they want to build on a 2025-26 season where they finally made the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. That’s a long wait. Adding a guy like Trocheck would have given them a two-way center who can log big minutes, kill penalties, and chip in offensively. He had 53 points in 67 games last season doing exactly that for the Rangers.
But here’s the thing. Trocheck actually blocked a trade to Utah the year before. He used his no-trade clause to stay put when the organization first came calling. The difference this time? Utah took a real step forward in 2025-26. They went 43-33-6, racked up 92 points, and made the playoffs for the first time since the franchise relocated. They lost in the first round to Vegas, who went on to win the West. Still, the trajectory was enough to change Trocheck’s mind about heading west.
Why Buffalo made sense for Trocheck
The Sabres have a young core that’s starting to figure things out. They’ve got talent up front and on the back end. What they don’t have a ton of is veteran playoff experience. Trocheck brings that. He’s played in all situations, matched up against other teams’ top lines, and been through the grind of long postseasons. Buffalo wanted that leadership in the room as much as the production on the ice.
It didn’t work out. Utah got the deal done. But the fact that Buffalo was even in the conversation says something about how quickly that franchise’s reputation has shifted. For years, nobody wanted to go there. Now players are at least considering it. That’s progress, even if the trade board didn’t fall their way this time.
The perception change around both teams
Utah is a destination now. That’s not something you could have said two years ago. Their breakout season showed they’re serious about winning and building something sustainable. Trocheck saw that. He agreed to the trade because he believes they’re on the rise.
Buffalo is in a similar position but a little further behind. They broke the playoff drought, which was a huge monkey off their back. Now they need to string together multiple competitive seasons. Adding a player like Trocheck would have helped accelerate that timeline. Missing out on him stings, but it’s not a setback. It’s more like a signal to other free agents and trade targets: Buffalo is back in the conversation.
Friedman’s report reinforces what a lot of people around the league are starting to say. These are no longer franchises players try to avoid. Utah proved it with this trade. Buffalo proved it by almost getting it done.
Leave a Comment