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Florida Panthers: Vincent Trocheck Continues To Grow After Every Season

By Daniel Janicas

Mar 19, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida Panthers center Vincent Trocheck (21) warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida Panthers center Vincent Trocheck (21) warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vincent Trocheck has continued growing with the Florida Panthers during his third full season last year (2016-17). Trocheck has proven to be an important piece to the team in all three zones of the ice.

Leaving out Vincent Trocheck’s first season (2013-14) in which he only played 20 games, he has continued to grow and blossom under our eyes. Young Vinnie was drafted in the 3rd round (64th pick) in the 2011 NHL Draft. Trocheck has certainly been a diamond in the rough, and has really elevated his game after every season he has played.

Vincent was always overlooked because of his size. Standing at just 5’10 in stature, Trocheck has never taken his short stature to heart, and has always played with a chip on his shoulder. What he lacks with size, he makes up for with speed, skill, and intelligence. No matter how big the opponent is, young Vinnie never backs down against a challenge. Below is a clip of how well Vincent can pick corners with his shot. This is just one skill that young Vinnie shows night in and night out.

Statistically speaking, Trocheck has continued to improve after each season. During his first full NHL season (2014-15), Vinnie put up 7G, 15A, and 22 points in 50 games played. The season after that (2015-16), Trocheck tallied 25G, 28A, and 53 points making this a career high year for himself in every category (goals, assists, and points). But Vinnie didn’t stop there!

During the 2016-17 NHL season, Trocheck ended the year with 23G, 31A, and 54 points, thus making it a career high in points. Yes, Vinnie ended with 2 goals short of what he had put up in the 2015-16 season, but he made up for it by tallying more assists. When the team and his line mates (Reilly Smith and Jussi Jokinen) are at full strength, then I honestly wouldn’t be surprised seeing him hit the 60 point mark next season. It definitely isn’t out of his reach by any means.

Next: Florida Panthers: Reilly Smiths 2016-17 Slump Year

Vincent was rewarded last season with an appearance in his very first NHL All-Star game. Trocheck ended up representing the Panthers by himself at both the All-Star game and skills competition. It was a good opportunity for the youngster to let loose and meet some of the very best, while also receiving some advice. Rewards like these will continue to approach young Trocheck as long as he continues his impressive play.

Overall though, It will be critical for Trocheck to continue his growth going into next season. Vinnie is an important piece to the team, who adds both scoring and energy to every game. When Trocheck is on his game, so is the team. He is another weapon that must be utilized during next season. If Vinnie and his line can catch lighting in a bottle once again, then teams in the Atlantic Division better watch out!

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