The Anaheim Ducks have bolstered their defensive lineup by acquiring Jacob Trouba from the New York Rangers in exchange for fellow defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional fourth-round pick for the 2025 NHL Draft. The Ducks will send either their own fourth-round selection or a conditional pick received from Detroit, which was involved in the Robby Fabbri trade on July 3, 2024.
Trouba, 30, has made a name for himself in the NHL with 315 points and a +53 rating over 772 games, playing for both the Rangers and the Winnipeg Jets. Known for his resilience, he has averaged over 22 minutes of ice time per game in his career and is among the league leaders in both blocked shots and hits, underscoring his defensive prowess.
Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek praised Trouba’s character and leadership: “Jacob is a highly respected player in this league… We believe Jacob has many more years in this league and hope he is a big part of our future success.” Trouba’s contributions go beyond the ice; he was recognized with the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award for exemplifying outstanding leadership both on and off the rink.
Notably, Trouba also engages in charitable efforts, co-founding an art program for individuals with epilepsy and seizures, showcasing his commitment to the community.
On the other side, Urho Vaakanainen, a 25-year-old defenseman, has played 141 NHL games and recorded 25 points. Although he’s shown potential, the 6-2 Finnish player has had limited impact this season with just one assist in five games.
With this exchange, the Ducks are clearly looking to strengthen their team for future seasons, and Trouba’s extensive experience and leadership qualities could play a pivotal role in fostering a competitive spirit within the squad. This acquisition might also signal an exciting new chapter for Trouba, who will have the opportunity to make his mark with a new team.
Overall, this trade reflects both teams’ strategies as the Ducks aim for immediate improvement with an established player while the Rangers look to balance their roster with younger talent.