Former New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba has spoken out against the team’s management, detailing how he was threatened with being a healthy scratch if he did not accept a trade. During a press conference on Friday, the 30-year-old defenseman revealed his frustration with the process that ultimately sent him to the Anaheim Ducks, shedding light on the tense final hours of his tenure in New York.
A Captain’s Frustration with the Process
Jacob Trouba did not hold back his feelings about how his trade from the Rangers was handled. “I wasn’t really thrilled with how it went down. In my opinion, things could have been handled better,” he stated, expressing clear disappointment with the organization.
The veteran defenseman, who served as the team’s captain, felt the public nature of the trade talks put a significant strain on him. He added, “I don’t like that everything unfolded so publicly. I guess that’s part of New York.” Despite the difficult exit, he found a moment for a light-hearted jab, saying, “It’s a rite of passage to get fired from MSG.”
The Ultimatum from Rangers Management
The situation came to a head on Thursday morning when Trouba was approached by the team with an ultimatum. He revealed that the Rangers gave him a stark choice: either accept a trade or be scratched for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“It was a threat,” Trouba said plainly. This tactic from the front office put immense pressure on him, mirroring a similar situation last summer with forward Barclay Goodrow. Trouba had a no-movement clause that converted to a 15-team no-trade clause in July, which complicated earlier efforts by the Rangers to move him. He stood by his decision to use it, explaining, “I was put in a situation this summer to make a decision between my career and my family. I chose my family. I’d choose my family 100 times over again.”
Rangers’ Strategy and Financial Relief
From the Rangers’ perspective, moving Trouba was a key strategic goal. The team has been actively trying to free up salary cap space to restructure its roster and provide opportunities for younger players. Trouba’s hefty $8 million average annual value was a significant contract to move.
The trade details are as follows:
| Player Traded | Team Received From | Assets Acquired |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob Trouba | Anaheim Ducks | Urho Vaakanainen + 2025 4th-Round Pick |
Trading Trouba’s full contract provided the Rangers with immediate financial flexibility. Shortly after the deal was announced, the team signed star goalie Igor Shesterkin to a massive eight-year, $11.5 million annual extension. This new contract, the highest ever for a goalie in NHL history, was made possible by the cap space cleared in the Trouba trade.
A New Beginning in Anaheim
Despite the sour ending in New York, Trouba is optimistic about his future with the Anaheim Ducks. He confirmed that Anaheim was a desirable destination for him and his family. “There was going to be a trade at some point, and Anaheim was one of the places my wife and I were interested in,” he explained.
The transition will be eased by the presence of familiar faces. Former Rangers teammates Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano are already on the Ducks’ roster, which should help him settle into the new team environment.
Reflecting on his time in New York, Trouba shared fond memories. “I loved it,” he said. “The captaincy was extremely special. Two conference finals… There will always been a piece of my heart in New York.”
