New York Rangers make special request of Jacob Trouba implying trade is imminent

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Josh Tupper
June 27, 2024 (11:35)

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A captain may not be available for the New York Rangers in the upcoming weeks as they try to offload some cash this summer.

The Rangers had their season end in the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in the previous three years, and they might be hoping to make a huge splash this summer to return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2014.

Trades involving the Rangers' captain, Jacob Trouba, who has played five seasons in New York, are apparently being considered. Whether it's someone else on the blueline or Trouba, who was let go this summer, it appears the Rangers are attempting to rearrange their defense for the 2024�25 season.

Jacob Trouba might be the odd man out if the New York Rangers are looking to trade for a defenseman, according to what he heard on Wednesday's episode of The Chris Johnston Show.

"I've heard #NYR are trying to move a defenseman ... a lot of talk that Jacob Trouba could be the odd man out there." Johnston said."

In his podcast, Johnston stated that the primary rationale for perhaps parting ways with Jacob Trouba is his high cost�each of the next two seasons will bring in $8 million�making him an unsuitable third pairing defenseman. Beginning on Monday of next week, trading Trouba will also be considerably simpler since his whole no-movement clause will be converted to a modified no-trade clause.

"CJ notes that it's "not because he's disliked or anything," but notes that he's simply too expensive to be a third-pairing defenseman and his NMC becomes a 15-team NTC on July 1st. Says "that's something to keep an eye on." #NYR"

Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff added Jacob Trouba to his Trade Targets board on Wednesday and wondered if playing for the team in his home state, the Detroit Red Wings, could be a possibility.

"The Rangers are exploring all of their options this summer as GM Chris Drury remains as aggressive as ever trying to get New York over the hump. One of those options is potentially moving his captain. Trouba also just happens to be dropping down from a full �no-movement' clause to a 15-team �no-trade' list starting on Monday. Trouba has positive trade equity, despite the cap hit, because the term is so short with two years remaining. Teams crave his intensity, leadership and physicality. Are the Detroit Red Wings, looking to upgrade their blueline, a viable option for the Michigan native?" Seravalli said.

Trouba, 30, made 69 appearances for the Rangers this season, tallying 22 points (three goals, 19 assists), accruing 73 penalty minutes, and finishing with a minus-four rating. Later, in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games, he added seven more points.

As they attempt to add some players to their roster in the hopes of getting over the hump and into the Stanley Cup Final next season, the New York Rangers will be an interesting club to follow in the upcoming days and weeks.

Now additional reports indicate New York has asked him for a list of teams he's willing to be traded to.