The New York Rangers have traded defenseman and team captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, officially ending weeks of speculation about his future. The trade, announced Friday, sees the Rangers receive defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional 2025 fourth-round draft pick in return.
Deal Details
Anaheim will fully absorb Trouba’s $8 million annual cap hit through the 2025-26 season. The conditional draft pick will be the lower of either Anaheim’s or the Detroit Red Wings’ fourth-round selection in 2025.
Trouba, 30, had a 15-team no-trade clause in his contract but faced pressure to agree to a move. The Rangers reportedly warned Trouba of the possibility of waivers if he didn’t accept a trade, effectively removing his control over the situation.
Rangers’ Farewell to Trouba
General Manager Chris Drury thanked Trouba for his contributions over the past five years, including his leadership as team captain since the 2022-23 season.
“Jacob has been a model of grit, toughness, and leadership both on and off the ice. We’re grateful for everything he’s done for the Rangers,” Drury said in a statement.
A New Role in Anaheim
Trouba joins the Ducks as a veteran presence on a young blue line, alongside physical defenseman Radko Gudas. Despite a decline in his defensive performance, Trouba’s experience and leadership are expected to help Anaheim improve its struggling 5-on-5 defense, which currently ranks last in the NHL.
Additionally, Trouba will reunite with former Rangers teammates Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek expressed optimism about Trouba’s future, describing him as “a respected player whose leadership and character are second to none.”
Rangers’ Plans Moving Forward
Shedding Trouba’s contract gives the Rangers much-needed flexibility under the salary cap. The team, currently struggling with a 13-10-1 record and six losses in their last seven games, can now explore options to strengthen their lineup. High on their list of needs is a winger to complement center Mika Zibanejad and forward Chris Kreider, who have both underperformed this season.
Vaakanainen’s Role
Urho Vaakanainen, the 25-year-old defenseman acquired in the trade, has had a quiet NHL career, appearing in only 141 games across seven seasons with Boston and Anaheim. This season, he has played five games, recording one assist. Vaakanainen, who carries a $1.1 million cap hit, will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
The trade marks a significant shift for both teams, with Anaheim gaining a seasoned leader and the Rangers setting their sights on future roster adjustments to regain their competitive edge.(*)
Source: Espn.com
