PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It was widely believed if the Penguins didn't re-sign Evgeni Malkin they would try to sign the Pittsburgh native to be the second line center. Now with Malkin back, Trocheck goes to the team that beat the Pens in the playoffs.
The 29-year-old signed a free agent deal with the New York Rangers on Wednesday for seven years, $39.38 million.
Comparing contracts
Evgeni Malkin, 36, 4-years, $6.1 million per
Vince Trocheck, 29, 7-years, $5.63 million per
Comparing last season stats
Evgeni Malkin, 41 games, 42 points (20 goals), -10, 24 penalty minutes
Vince Trocheck, 81 games, 51 points (21 goals), +21, 78 penalty minutes
Comparing careers
Evgeni Malkin, 981 games, 444 goals, 702 assists, 3 championships
Vince Trocheck, 555 games, 150 goals, 228 assists
It's not to say the Pens did the right thing here, just a comparison between the players. Either one could have been key in the Pens lineup, the Penguins stuck with the accomplished veteran while the younger player went to a rival.
