The New York Rangers have officially traded defenseman Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, a move that brings an end to speculation surrounding his future with the team. This transaction was confirmed on Friday, with the Ducks sending defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2025 to the Rangers in exchange for Trouba. Reports indicate that Anaheim will assume full responsibility for Trouba’s contract, which is valued at an average of $8 million annually until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Rangers’ general manager Chris Drury expressed gratitude towards Trouba’s contributions, highlighting his exemplary leadership and significant role in the team’s successes over the past years. Trouba, who served as the Rangers’ captain for the last three seasons, experienced a challenging season, averaging 20 minutes of ice time but maintaining a modest six assists along with a minus-3 rating.
In response to mounting speculation regarding his status, Trouba was held out of practice and a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, as the Rangers explored potential trades. The team had communicated with several clubs, including the Red Wings, Blue Jackets, Senators, and Sabres, about Trouba, while he held a 15-team no-trade clause, which added a layer of complexity to the transaction process.
Currently, the Rangers hold a record of 13-10-1 and find themselves fourth in the Metropolitan Division. With recent struggles, including six regulation losses in their last seven games, the team appears to be seeking a shift to improve their situation.
For the Ducks, Trouba’s addition serves multiple purposes: he provides veteran mentorship to young defensemen, strengthens their physical play on the blue line, and addresses one of their weaknesses—defensive performance at even strength. Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek praised Trouba’s character and leadership skills, underscoring the belief that he can be a valuable asset moving forward.
The Rangers stand to benefit strategically from this trade, as clearing Trouba’s salary cap hit opens opportunities for them to seek trades that may improve their roster and address needs, particularly on the offensive front.
This trade marks a significant moment for both the Rangers and the Ducks as they look to reshape their teams for the future. Fans on both sides may find optimism—the Rangers are poised to make enhancements to their lineup while the Ducks bring in a proven leader who can help guide their young talents.