The New York Rangers have officially traded defenseman Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, a move that brings closure to a period of uncertainty regarding the captain’s future with the team. The trade was confirmed by both teams on Friday and includes defenseman Urho Vaakanainen along with a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft sent to New York in exchange for Trouba.
As part of the agreement, the Ducks will assume Trouba’s contract, which has an average annual value of $8 million that extends through the 2025-26 season. The Rangers will receive either the Ducks’ or the Detroit Red Wings’ fourth-round pick, whichever is lower in the series standings.
Rangers general manager Chris Drury expressed gratitude for Trouba’s contributions to the team and community, recognizing his leadership and role as captain over the past three years. Trouba was not on the ice for the Rangers’ practice or their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday due to “roster management purposes,” a strategy the team employed as they finalized a trade. His contract included a 15-team no-trade clause, and after deliberations with several organizations—like the Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators, and Buffalo Sabres—the decision was made to move him.
The Rangers’ performance has seen some struggles recently, sitting at 13-10-1 and managing to hold onto the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference amid a downturn with six regulation losses in seven games. In light of the team’s situation, Drury indicated that the Rangers were open to trades, specifically naming Trouba and veteran Chris Kreider as potential candidates.
This season, Trouba has recorded six assists with a minus-3 rating, playing an average of 20 minutes each game. He has been a critical figure since joining the Rangers five years ago, now providing experience and mentorship to the Ducks’ young defensive players.
Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek highlighted Trouba’s reputation, character, and leadership abilities, indicating optimism about his future within the team as they look to bolster their defense. As for the Rangers, offloading Trouba’s salary offers the possibility for them to make further trades to enhance their lineup, particularly in search of support for key players like Mika Zibanejad and Kreider.
Vaakanainen, who is included in the trade, has seen limited action in his seventh NHL season, having participated in only 141 games due to a mix of injuries and being healthy scratched. With a cap hit of $1.1 million, he is also set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Summary: Jacob Trouba has been traded from the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks in a deal that includes defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional draft pick. The trade, which resolves recent speculation about Trouba’s future, positions the Ducks to benefit from his leadership while allowing the Rangers to pursue additional trades to improve their current roster.
This change of scenery for Trouba could be an opportunity for him to rediscover his form and reinvigorate the Ducks’ defense, offering hope for the franchise’s future success.