Trocheck Dismisses Team USA Chat Link to Canadian Trade Requests
Vincent Trocheck said the Team USA group chat is not responsible for American players seeking moves out of Canadian markets. He described the situation as more situational than connected to the Olympic gold win over Canada. The comments follow Brady Tkachuk's trade to Florida and Connor Hellebuyck's trade request from Winnipeg.
Vincent Trocheck, now with Utah, addressed the idea that American players are leaving Canadian clubs because of a Team USA chat. He spoke with ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski and called the narrative overstated, saying circumstances mattered more than any Olympic result. The U.S. men ended a 46-year Olympic title drought by defeating Canada.
Since that victory, Ottawa moved captain Brady Tkachuk to Florida, while Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck asked to be traded. Hellebuyck was later suspended for missing camp, and a Jets supporter created a site to track his lost pay. Trocheck noted the Team USA chat exists but isn’t used for trade discussions and has gone quiet.
The discussion could affect how fans in Canadian markets view American-born players, especially if trade requests are interpreted through national rivalry. It may also shape player reputations and team-fan relationships, while giving U.S. players more scrutiny about their motivations. However, if Trocheck is right that factors are situational, the impact may stay limited to individual cases rather than broader league-wide sentiment.