I don't think we are disagreeing here. But I think Laviolette had a certain type of player that he wanted for the 3rd line.
With how he's pretty much stuck with mostly the same lineup throughout the season, it's not too far off to think that if Chytil didn't die this season, Laviolette would have kept things intact or kept the mindset of needing a player like Trocheck on the 3rd line and Chytil with Panarin. But, we'll never know.
Like I said, I didn’t mind his contract. I thought it was pretty good. Some had issues with the term and the thought of him already being put on the 3rd line. I thought it was a really good fit and no matter where he wound up in the lineup in the next 3-4 years, it was very manageable and would still look good in his later years as the cap would rise. He may have come to NY in good faith on a cheaper deal, because of his history with Gallant. But with how they were yelling at each other in the post season last year, mayyyybe not.
I get that his boxcar stats from last season aren't terrible. But he really didn't click with Panarin. They were a mess. Trocheck was really chucking some awful bombs at really bad times. He wasn't bad. He just wasn't bringing what some of us expected.
I actually don't think he's over achieving. I think this is what you get from this type of player from this coach. It's why I wanted the type of players I wanted at the deadline. Players who play more like Trocheck........ Annoying, in your face, gutsy, North/South, multi function.