Vincent Trocheck made an immediate impact upon his return to the lineup on Monday night in the New York Rangers’ 6-3 win over the Nashville Predators.
Trocheck missed 14 games after suffering an upper-body injury on Oct. 9 against the Buffalo Sabres that landed him on long-term injured reserve.
Having Trocheck back helped balance the entire lineup for the Rangers. Mike Sullivan put Trocheck on a line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafrenière, a trio that has had a ton of success in the past.
This allowed J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad to reunite on a line together alongside rookie forward Gabe Perreault.
The Rangers’ depth in their top-six forward group gave the team the flexibility to put Will Cuylle on the third line, which was critical in creating more balance.
“Any time you lose a guy to injury it just kind of screws up the whole lineup,” Trocheck said. “To be full health and have the lines that we want to have going forward, I think that goes a long way.”
He may have missed a handful of games, but it sure didn’t look that way by watching Trocheck play.
The 32-year-old forward did not miss a beat. He played the same hard-nosed brand of hockey that we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him.
On top of the two assists he recorded, Trocheck elevated Panarin and Lafrenière’s game, which helped bring new life to the Rangers’ offense.
“I think Trocheck is such a good player on both sides of the puck… I think maybe the biggest attribute that he has that probably flies under the radar is just how sound he is positioned,” Sullivan said.
“He’s in the right spots all the time, and because of that, he doesn’t chase the game. The game comes to him. He has a good stick. I think the guys on his flank, Bread and Laf, become the benefactors of that, because he creates a lot of counterattack opportunities in all three zones.”
Maybe even far greater than what he provides on the ice, Trocheck is a leader for this Rangers team, and his presence goes a long way.
The leadership and energy that Trocheck provides for the Blueshirts off of the ice gave them a jolt of energy that was critical in helping them secure their first home win of the season.
“Obviously, Trocheck is such an important player for this team,” said Sullivan. “Just his presence alone, from a leadership standpoint, his demeanor, and then obviously, what he does on the ice. His presence alone, I think was a huge boost for the group, especially given the circumstances at home here.”
It’s safe to say the Rangers are happy to have Trocheck back.
“Buffalo’s offense is sputtering, and some fans are wondering if Brian Daboll could be the cure for what ails them.”
The Buffalo Bills (6-3) have been struggling offensively, with their most recent lackluster performance coming in a 30-13 defeat to the Miami Dolphins. Despite facing one of the league’s worst defenses, Buffalo’s receivers failed to create any separation, and the offense was unable to get anything going through the first three quarters. It’s clear that the Bills’ offensive issues are becoming a growing concern.
However, today’s Buffalo Rumblings report quashed any hopes for those Bills fans calling for a change at offensive coordinator. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Joe Brady would remain the team’s offensive coordinator through the end of the 2025 NFL season. Despite speculation that former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll could be brought back to help turn things around, McDermott swiftly dismissed the idea.
McDermott Shoots Down Daboll Return
When Daboll was fired as head coach of the New York Giants, rumors swirled about the possibility of a reunion with quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo. McDermott wasted no time in shutting down those rumors, stating that he has confidence in Joe Brady and has no intention of bringing Daboll back to Buffalo.
“At this time, that is not something we are considering,” McDermott said when asked about the possibility of Daboll returning to Western New York.
The question remains: could Daboll have been the solution to Buffalo’s offensive struggles, or is the real issue something deeper? The Bills started the season strong but have since been cold, particularly in their loss to the Dolphins.
Dalton Kincaid’s Injury Puts More Pressure on Offense
Adding to Buffalo’s woes, tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has been one of Josh Allen’s most reliable targets this season, has been officially labeled “week-to-week” after suffering a hamstring injury in the Dolphins’ loss. Kincaid had been a standout, recording 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns—leading the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns this year. His absence could further strain the already struggling offense.
As the Bills continue to deal with a variety of injuries, including to key players like Kincaid, the offense will need to find a way to regain its early-season form. While McDermott has expressed confidence in his current coaching staff, fans are left to wonder if a change in offensive philosophy or leadership might be what’s needed to reignite Buffalo’s high-powered attack.
More Updates on Bills’ Injuries and Roster Moves
As the Bills face a series of injuries, including to key offensive players, the team is also adding new faces to the practice squad. Stay tuned for updates as Buffalo looks to address its depth and find solutions to its current offensive struggles.