The New York Rangers trading captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks after the Broadway Blueshirts have fallen to 1-6 in their last seven games, general manager Chris Drury looks to shake up the stagnant core.
The 30-year-old Trouba was acquired by the Rangers from the Winnipeg Jets and signed a seven-year, $56 million contract with the Rangers.
Ahead of the 2022–23 season, he was named the 28th captain in team history. But his time with the Rangers was turbulent, leaving him out of the lineup Friday morning.
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New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba skates against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at Madison Square Garden. (Danny Wild/Imagn Images)
Trouba was scratched for roster management reasons as Drury prepared to move on from the defenseman. In return, the Rangers will receive 25-year-old defenseman Urho Veelanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick from the Ducks.
The Ducks are also reportedly picking up the entire salary of Trouba’s remaining contract through the end of next season.
Although the Rangers have struggled lately, they are 13-10-1 this season and very much in the playoff hunt.
New York Rangers right wing Reilly Smith, left, talks with defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) during a timeout against the St. Louis Blues in the first period at Madison Square Garden. (Danny Wild/Imagn Images)
The Ducks are 10-11-3 and will rely on Trouba’s leadership to help a young team grow.
Trouba’s trade continues a recent trend of unceremoniously leaving recent Rangers captains:
- Ryan McDonaugh was traded to the Lightning in Tampa Bay.
- Ryan Callahan was traded to the Lightning.
- Drury, the current general manager, was previously Rangers captain and had his contract bought out to end his career.
Drury attempted to trade Trouba in the offseason, but Trouba’s wife, Kelly, had one year left on her medical residency and did not want to leave New York at the time. According to The Athletic, no deal was made this summer because Jacob had a no-trade clause.
Trouba struggled this season with just six points in 24 games and was demoted to third-pairing defenseman. He had been a regular in the first or second pair for most of his Rangers career.
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New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) hits Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (39) in the first period at Wells Fargo Center. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)
In Anaheim, Trouba will reunite with former Rangers teammates Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano.
The Rangers will look to get back on track when they play Pittsburgh penguins Friday at 7:30 PM ET.
The Ducks play the Minnesota Wild at 10 p.m. ET Friday, but it is unclear if Trouba will make his Ducks debut in that game.
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