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How Rangers’ Sean Durzi can be ‘go-to player’ in important, underrated area
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- How Rangers’ Sean Durzi can be ‘go-to player’ in important, underrated area
It's still to be determined if the New York Rangers have sufficient cover at the center position after trading Vincent Trocheck to the Utah Mammoth on July 1. But it appears they unwittingly, or not, found someone to match Trocheck's big personality.
Enter Sean Durzi , the 27-year-old defenseman acquired from the Mammoth as part of the return package for Trocheck, along with center prospect Cole Beaudoin and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
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Earlier in the offseason, Durzi participated in the annual NHL Broadcast training camp in New York. That's a program set up for current and former players to learn about — and try their hand at — different areas of broadcasting.
Per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, who attended the two-day camp, Durzi drew rave reviews for his work and outgoing personality.
There was no question that Durzi was the star participant at this edition of the NHL's summer school," Wyshynski wrote in a recent online story . "He had earned the reputation among broadcasters as the go-to player for interviews while with the Mammoth. At the Broadcast Training Camp, Durzi's curiosity and his innate broadcasting talents were lauded by several panelists."
That Durzi is a "go-to player for interviews" is no small thing. Trocheck certainly filled that important role with the Rangers , and was a respected voice, both in the eyes of the media and fans, as well as his teammates.
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Trocheck always seemed to strike the right tone when speaking with reporters, whether that was serious analysis of the topic at hand, or time for a quip and fun banter. Always a favorite of reporters for being a stand-up and honest representative of the Rangers, Trocheck stood out during the dismal 2024-25 season as the go-to interview after captain Jacob Trouba was traded to the Anaheim Ducks .
The Rangers have several go-tos in their dressing room, including captain J.T. Miller, veteran center Mika Zibanejad , and 24-year-old defenseman Braden Schneider . But you can never have enough of these players, and Trocheck filled the role better than most.
By all accounts, Durzi, like Trocheck, is a natural. And that's why he could be a fit one day as an NHL studio analyst or between-the-benches reporter.
"I'm a big fan of making people feel immersed in a segment," Durzi told ESPN. "I think the best panels make it feel like you're so zoned in on what they're saying that you forget what's going on in the real world. I think that's the beauty of sports. I always had an interest in all of it. Thought I'd give it a try. It's a lot of fun. I'm learning a lot."
Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Several former Rangers players populate local and national hockey broadcasts these days. That list includes Henrik Lundqvist , Mark Messier, Wayne Gretzky, Steve Valiquette, Brian Boyle , Dave Maloney, Dominic Moore , Anson Carter, and Jody Shelley, among others.
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"People want to be entertained. I think what those guys do for the game is unbelievable," Durzi said. "I don't know if everyone can be like those guys, with a good mix of analysis, fun and energy. But I think it's something I can do."
On the ice, Durzi is expected to play on the second defense pairing with fellow newcomer Marcus Pettersson , and likely quarterback the second power-play unit. He had 41 points in 2023-24, 27 in 60 games last season, and gives New York another skilled puck-mover on the blue line along with Adam Fox .
Off of it, he can help fill the void created by the departure of Trocheck and his engaging personlity.
Now, let's see if Beaudoin, who turns pro this season at the age of 20, one day fills the void of Trocheck's outstanding two-way play down the middle of the Rangers forward group.
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