Jacob Trouba expressed his disappointment with the New York Rangers regarding the recent trade that sent him to the Anaheim Ducks. He felt that the months of public speculation surrounding the trade affected his performance and leadership as the team’s captain. Trouba, 30, was traded in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick, with the Ducks taking on his $8 million average annual contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.
According to Trouba, discussions to trade him had been ongoing since the previous offseason as the Rangers sought to create salary cap space and provide opportunities for younger players. His contract included a no-movement clause until it converted to a 15-team no-trade clause in July, which held up potential trades before the season. Trouba commented on the challenge of being a captain amid public scrutiny: “It was difficult to play with that hanging over me,” he stated.
On Thursday, the Rangers approached Trouba, suggesting he either waive his no-trade clause or be scratched for their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Trouba, who refused to waive it, described the team’s ultimatum as a “threat.”
Despite the negative circumstances, including the Rangers’ struggles leading to six losses in seven games, Trouba and his family had been considering Anaheim as a possible destination. With the trade now finalized, Trouba acknowledged the difficulty of the last few months, stating that the trade speculation took a toll on him and that it was challenging to lead the team effectively.
The Rangers aimed for financial clarity with Trouba’s departure, which subsequently allowed them to secure an eight-year contract extension for star goalie Igor Shesterkin, marking the highest cap hit for a goalie in NHL history at $11.5 million annually starting in 2025-26. Following the trade, the Rangers managed to beat the Penguins 4-2, suggesting a fresh start for the team as they move forward.
As for Trouba, he looks forward to joining a young Ducks team in search of playoff success, drawing parallels to his own transition to the Rangers in 2018. He noted that having former teammates like Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano on the Ducks could help ease his integration into the new environment. Although his exit from New York felt bittersweet, Trouba cherished his experiences and memories from his time with the Rangers.
In summary, while the trade marks a significant transition for Trouba, it also opens up new opportunities for him and the Ducks, and signals a potential reinvigoration for the Rangers as they regroup after a challenging stretch. Both Trouba and the Rangers may find that this change leads to positive developments in the future.