Vincent Trocheck trying to make case for extended stay with Panthers
Vincent Trocheck can't tell you where he'll be playing next month, next week or even next game.
Yet, the 21-year-old Florida Panthers center has quickly become an important fixture on an upstart team looking to make noise in a crowded Eastern Conference wild-card hunt.
The lone two-way contract on a roster encumbered by bulky veteran deals, Trocheck approaches every game with the Panthers as if it were his last. Treating each contest as audition and every play as an opportunity to prove he belongs.
For although he is often lauded as an important piece of the organization's promising future, the team's current depth at his position, coupled with his flexible contract situation, has Trocheck on edge as he navigates the fine line between the AHL and NHL.
"It's a roller coaster," Trocheck said before embarking with the team on their current two-game road trip.
"There's been games where I've played average or not so great and I'm like, 'Oh, this could be it.' Then there's games, like our last game, where I play really well and think I deserve to be here. As long as I keep it consistent, I'm earning my spot."
Since being recalled from the team's American Hockey League affiliate in San Antonio on Oct. 31, Trocheck has done more than enough to retain a spot on the roster.
Entrenching himself as the team's third-line center, the 5-foot-10, 182 pound Trocheck has notched one goal and eight points in 13 games with the Panthers this season.
"I'm pretty confident," Trocheck said of his recent play. "I've shown myself that I'm able to go out there and produce in games as long as I play hard and play smart."
While a burgeoning point total may go a long way in his push for an extended stay in the NHL this season, the nature in which Trocheck has been accumulating his numbers is what has likely engrossed coaches and management the most.
Gifted with a refined knack for generating offense seemingly out of nothing, Trocheck paces the Panthers with seven primary assists this season. Never content to sit back on a play or avoid a tough battle along the boards, he garners all of his points through his own hard work and determination.
When Trocheck enters the offensive zone, opposing defenses take note. And when the puck leaves his stick, no matter how dire the circumstance may look, it usually finds a teammate in a good position.
Often seen connecting with right winger Jimmy Hayes on some of the team's most important goals in recent weeks, including the game-winning tally in a 3-2 victory over Ottawa on Nov. 28, Trocheck's unit continues to be one of head coach Gerard Gallant's most reliable and productive lines.
"They're playing well. They're earning their ice time and that's what we want," Gallant said. "It's not like it's just about the young guys or the depth guys, it's about the whole team.
"I'm really happy with their performance."
Still, even though his confidence and production may be at an all-time high, Trocheck understands the gravity of his situation. With injured forwards Dave Bolland and Scottie Upshall expected to return to the lineup in the very near future, the team will soon be over the 23-man maximum roster size and, unless a player is traded before then, Trocheck will likely be re-assigned to San Antonio.
Under the cloud of this looming decision, Trocheck has remained focused on his game, despite the twists and turns his career path may take in the coming weeks and months.
In the end, his play on the ice will get him where he wants to go.
"It's always in the back of your mind," said Trocheck. "You try not to think about it too much and just play your game. Hockey is 80 percent mental and 20 percent physical, so you've got to kind of keep that out of your mind and play your game."
You can follow Jameson Olive on Twitter @JamesonCoop or email him at JamesonOlive@gmail.com.
