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Five Forwards Who Would’ve Made Great Flyers

By Scott Cole

Apr 26, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Patric Hornqvist (70) during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Patric Hornqvist (70) during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vincent Trocheck

Having moved to North Carolina 10 years ago, the only NHL games I get to see with any regularity are the Carolina Hurricanes. I’ve gone from seeing them be a travesty of a hockey team to one of the Stanley Cup contenders in that time span. One of the reasons that the Canes improved was because of their second-line center, Vincent Trocheck.

Trocheck was a third round pick by the Panthers in 2011; the same draft that they selected Huberdeau. And like Huberdeau, he became part of a young core of players that were expected to help the Panthers improve. However, Trocheck was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Erik Haula, Lucas Wallmark, Eetu Luostarinen and Chase Priskie.

In the COVID shortened season of 2020-21, he scored 17 goals in 47 games; his most since he totaled 31 goals in 2017-18.  He put up even better numbers this past season as he helmed Carolina’s second line. Likewise, he is a master of the faceoff circle. Since his first full season in the league, he always averages over 50% in faceoffs. This is an area where the Flyers have really struggled with in the last few seasons.

Trocheck was a free agent this season and he left the Canes to sign with the Rangers. His abilities will help the Rangers stay near the top of the division. It would have been great had the Flyers been able to sign him, but salary cap issues prevented that. Still, it would have been great to see him in orange and black.

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