One of the most interesting things in the NHL is the abundance of no-trade clauses, as the amount of them outnumbers all sports by a lot. In fact, the amount of no-trade clauses outnumbers the MLB, NFL, and NBA all combined. A recent development, after a trade that saw a new superstar become a Utah Mammoth, may show that he believes that Utah may be closer to competing them some might think.
Vincent Trocheck waived clause after denying Utah last season
The Mammoth had been interested in Trocheck for a while, but last season, after the 2024-25 season, Vincent Trocheck wasn't interested in Utah. Reportedly, Trocheck had the Mammoth on his no-trade list, despite the fact that Utah could've fit quite well. The New York Rangers ended up keeping the now 32-year-old through the 2025-26 season, even through the trade deadline. However, after the end of the season and a disappointing season at that, New York decided to shop Trocheck, and Utah came knocking on the door. After quiet beginning to the first of July, Utah then shocked the NHL world by pulling off a trade that brought Trocheck to Utah.
For whatever reason, Trocheck had changed his mind about Utah. Trocheck originally wanted to "stay in the east", but decided that Utah was the place for him. Perhaps part of the reason was that the Mammoth impressed the veteran. Early in the season, Utah would defeat New York 3-2 in a close game. But Utah would play New York again and once again defeat the Rangers 3-2, but this time in overtime. Utah simply played very hard against Trocheck and the Rangers, which may have very well impressed him.
Also, Trocheck has worked in the offseason before with Mammoth center Logan Cooley. Ultimately though, it seems like in some way the Rangers center, or the former Ranger, Trocheck, was impressed by the Mammoth. Perhaps Trocheck believes that Utah can contend, or he believes that he will help them to contend. At the end of the day though, the Mammoth traded for one the best all around players in the NHL, and somehow managed to get him into Utah despite the fact he didn't want to be there before. The American hero may be the key to success for Utah.
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