Overview
- Trocheck, who spoke Friday at the Rangers’ breakup day, said a viral or bacterial infection in one lung led to surgery to drain fluid and about a week in the hospital with chest tubes.
- He first thought the pain was back spasms, then a cross-check in the Oct. 9 game at Buffalo worsened it when trapped fluid spread around the lung.
- The center missed roughly 13 to 15 games and returned Nov. 10, finishing with 16 goals and 37 assists in 67 games and helping Team USA win Olympic gold.
- Coach Mike Sullivan said the absence of key players like Trocheck hurt the club’s results, and New York finished last in the Eastern Conference.
- Trocheck’s status is uncertain as the team retools, with three years left at a $5.625 million cap hit and limited trade protection, and he said recent talks with GM Chris Drury brought no clear direction.