By Russ Cohen
Parker Trottier has a famous grandfather who is a Hockey Hall of Famer and starred in the NHL for many years. The younger Trottier has worked very hard this past year, and I’ve seen a difference in his play; now his last name isn’t the focal point.
“It’s not much pressure. He’s here to support it, and he just wishes me the best of luck,” he said at the All-American Game this season.
I’ve watched the left wing the past few seasons and noticed right away he’s smart with the puck. Very safe in the neutral zone and first to pucks in the corner. All of these things are hard to teach, and it’s instinctual for him. Trottier worked a lot on his skating.
“You know, I’d have to credit GBM for that throughout the year. They just kind of bring an importance off the ice,” Trottier opined. “And, you know, I just take credit in the gym, and so it’s been helping me a lot throughout the past 2 years.”
At 6-1, 183 pounds, I don’t worry about his size, and he has more physical strength than he had a year ago. His game is getting more mature, and the fact that he will attend Notre Dame is a good step for him, coming from the NTDP. He will play with the Nelson brothers there. He and head coach Brock Sheahan have a good relationship.
“I’ve created a great relationship with Brock Sheahan. So when I found out that he was going to become the head coach there the next year, that’s when I knew that, you know, that’s the place where I want to be.”
Trottier currently plays third line left wing at the U18s with Sammy Nelson and Casey Mutryn. It’s a well-balanced line. He has a point in four games so far.
Other positive aspects of his game include that he wins puck battles and he’s good in transition. He has a bit of a scoring touch, but even with more improvement, at the next level, Trottier looks like a solid third-line guy.
Trottier will get drafted, and that’s half the battle. I think he gets taken somewhere between rounds 2-4 at the 2026 NHL Draft
He’s personable. He is humble. He has managed not to let his last name get in the way of his own identity, and that can sometimes be hard to navigate, but he’s doing a great job, and there is more of a ceiling to his game. That will come in college.
photo by Sportsology
