The Anaheim Ducks have made a significant trade, acquiring defenseman Jacob Trouba from the New York Rangers in exchange for blueliner Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The pick that the Rangers will receive will be the later of Anaheim’s own fourth-round selection or the conditional pick that came from the Detroit Red Wings as part of the Robby Fabbri trade.
Jacob Trouba, who is 30 years old, has had a formidable career in the NHL, tallying 315 points and maintaining a plus-53 rating over 772 games played with both the Rangers and the Winnipeg Jets. Notably, he has emerged as one of the league’s top defensemen, ranking second in blocked shots since entering the league with a total of 1,654. His leadership abilities shine as he has served as the Rangers’ captain for the past three seasons.
Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek expressed enthusiasm about Trouba’s acquisition, emphasizing his character, leadership, and competitive spirit. Trouba’s performance on the ice has been pivotal, leading the Rangers in key defensive statistics this season before his trade. Furthermore, his recognition as the 2023-24 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award recipient underscores his impact both on and off the ice, where he has been active in humanitarian initiatives, including founding a program for adults with epilepsy.
The trade also means the Ducks are parting ways with 25-year-old Urho Vaakanainen, who has played a limited role in his time with Anaheim, accumulating 25 points in 141 career NHL games. Vaakanainen has represented his native Finland in various international competitions, securing medals in U18 and World Junior Championships.
This trade not only adds a substantial veteran presence to the Ducks’ blue line but also positions them to benefit from Trouba’s experience and leadership as they look to strengthen their roster for future seasons. With a keen focus on building a competitive team, this move could be a step towards more success for Anaheim.
The Ducks are hopeful that Trouba’s presence will inspire growth and determination in their young players, fostering a winning mindset essential for the team’s long-term success.