The New York Rangers have traded their captain, Jacob Trouba, to the Anaheim Ducks, ending a turbulent chapter for the 30-year-old defenseman. In return, the Rangers receive defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional 2025 fourth-round draft pick.
Ducks Take Full Cap Hit
The key aspect of the deal is Anaheim’s agreement to absorb Trouba’s full $8 million annual cap hit through the 2025-26 season. This move significantly boosts the Rangers’ financial flexibility, increasing their current cap space to over $8.5 million and setting them on track to accrue more than $27 million by the March 7 trade deadline, according to PuckPedia.
A Lingering Trade Saga
Trouba, who signed a seven-year deal with the Rangers in 2019, had been the subject of trade talks since the offseason. Tensions reportedly grew as the team attempted to find a trade partner, with Trouba ultimately being presented with few options.
Though Anaheim was likely on his 15-team no-trade list, Trouba approved the deal, avoiding the possibility of being placed on waivers, where any team could have claimed him. Other teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, expressed interest, but Detroit lacked the cap space to make the deal without New York retaining part of Trouba’s salary.
Trouba Reflects
In a candid statement, Trouba acknowledged the challenges he faced during the negotiations.
“I was put in a position this summer to choose between my career and my family, and I chose my family,” he said. “While I’m happy to move forward, I believe this situation could have been handled better.”
A Team in Transition
The trade marks a pivotal moment for the Rangers, who are struggling with inconsistency. The team has lost six of its last seven games and is barely clinging to a wild-card playoff spot.
Head coach Peter Laviolette described the move as part of an effort to reset the team’s trajectory.
“We can’t continue down this path or we’ll find ourselves out of the playoffs,” Laviolette said. “This isn’t meant as a message, but we need to set a new direction.”
Locker Room Reactions
The trade has left the Rangers’ locker room in a state of uncertainty. Trouba’s leadership as captain and his close relationships with teammates added a personal dimension to the decision.
Center Mika Zibanejad expressed his support for Trouba, saying, “As a player, a teammate, and a friend, we love him to death.”
Forward Chris Kreider, who has also been the subject of trade rumors, declined to comment on Trouba’s departure, choosing instead to focus on the team’s immediate goals.
Ducks’ Perspective
For Anaheim, Trouba brings a veteran presence to a young roster, filling a critical leadership role. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek praised Trouba’s character and leadership, expressing optimism about his future contributions.
With the trade, the Rangers gain financial breathing room to address pressing needs, including the possibility of acquiring a scoring winger to help struggling forwards Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Meanwhile, Trouba will look to rejuvenate his career with the Ducks, providing experience and grit to their defensive lineup.(*)
This story has been updated with new information.
Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network.
Source: Usatoday.com
