Defenseman Jacob Trouba has publicly criticized the New York Rangers for the way they managed his recent trade to the Anaheim Ducks, highlighting the strain that months of speculation had on his role as team captain.
Trouba’s Frustration with the Trade Process
“I wasn’t really thrilled with how it went down. In my opinion, things could have been handled better,” Trouba expressed during a press conference on Friday. He continued, “It’s unfortunate how it all happened. But it’s a rite of passage to get fired from MSG.”
At 30, Trouba’s move to the Ducks marks a significant change. He was traded for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick. Anaheim will take on Trouba’s hefty $8 million average annual value contract through the 2025-26 season. This trade underscores the Rangers’ ongoing efforts to restructure their defense lineup.
Rangers’ Strategic Moves Amidst Struggles
The Rangers have been looking to shed salary cap space and create more opportunities for younger players. Last offseason, they aimed to move Trouba, but a no-movement clause in his contract until July, which then converted to a 15-team no-trade clause, complicated the process. As a result, no deal materialized before the current season.
Trouba shared, “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. I don’t feel bad about that.” He added, “I don’t like that everything unfolded so publicly. I guess that’s part of New York.”
Key Factors Leading to the Trade:
- Rangers’ six regulation losses in seven games
- General Manager Chris Drury’s memo to 31 NHL teams
- Mention of other players like Chris Kreider as available for trade
The Impact on Trouba and Team Dynamics
Trouba revealed that the Rangers approached him on Thursday morning with an ultimatum: accept a trade or be scratched for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite not participating in the morning skate and not being slated to play, Trouba refused to waive his no-trade clause.
“It was a threat,” Trouba stated. This tactic mirrors the one used last summer with forward Barclay Goodrow, who was claimed by the San Jose Sharks after being placed on waivers.
Trade Details:
| Player Traded | Team Received From | Additional Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob Trouba | Anaheim Ducks | Urho Vaakanainen + 2025 Pick |
Trouba’s season stats reflect his challenges: six assists, a minus-3 rating, and an average of 20 minutes on ice per game. “It was difficult to play with that hanging over me,” he admitted, emphasizing how the trade rumors affected his performance and leadership as captain.
Rangers’ Financial and Team Rebuilding Efforts
Trading Trouba’s full contract provides the Rangers with financial relief for the current and next season. Shortly after the trade, the team made a significant move by signing star goalie Igor Shesterkin to an eight-year extension worth $11.5 million annually, set to begin in the 2025-26 season. This deal marks the highest cap hit ever for a goalie in NHL history, signaling the Rangers’ commitment to bolstering their goaltending position.
Despite the recent setbacks, the Rangers are focused on rebuilding and strengthening their roster. The departure of Trouba allows them to redirect resources and attention towards cultivating younger talent and addressing key areas of need.
Trouba’s Future with the Ducks
Looking ahead, Trouba expressed optimism about his new chapter with the Anaheim Ducks. “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 presence of former teammates Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano on the Ducks is expected to ease his transition into the new team dynamics.
While Trouba’s time with the Rangers ended on a sour note, he reflected fondly on his experiences. “I loved it,” he shared. “The captaincy was extremely special. Two conference finals. Even more so, I had no clue what New York City was when I got here and I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person. There will always been a piece of my heart in New York.
