The prospect of the New York Rangers trading their captain, Jacob Trouba, has gained traction as the offseason progresses. Reports suggest that the Rangers are actively considering this move to free up salary cap space.
Arthur Staple of The Athletic disclosed that the Rangers have already requested Trouba’s 15-team no-trade list. Trouba’s contract, currently featuring a full no-move clause, will transition to a limited no-trade clause on July 1, allowing the Rangers to explore potential trade partners. The sooner General Manager Chris Drury receives this list, the sooner he can determine the feasible teams for negotiation and the viability of any potential deals.
NHL Insider Frank Seravelli later elaborated on this possibility, emphasizing that Trouba holds significant trade value. Speaking on the Daily Faceoff Rundown podcast, Seravelli noted that despite the $8 million annual cap hit remaining on Trouba’s contract for the next two years, he possesses “positive trade equity.” Seravelli described Trouba as a valuable asset rather than a salary dump, citing his intense physical play and leadership qualities as crucial for teams looking to transition from non-playoff status to contenders.
Seravelli highlighted the Detroit Red Wings as a potential destination for Trouba. As a Michigan native, Trouba’s addition would fit well with the Red Wings, who have missed the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons but showed promise with a young, improving roster last season. Additionally, the Red Wings have a projected $31.87 million in cap space, aligning with the financial requirements for such a trade.
However, Seravelli was cautious in asserting that a trade is inevitable. He mentioned that while the Rangers are exploring all options, there is no certainty that Trouba will be moved. The Rangers, known for their aggressive strategies, are likely evaluating multiple scenarios to optimize their roster and cap situation.
Trouba’s performance dipped this season and during the playoffs, partially due to a broken ankle sustained in March that sidelined him for a month. Despite this, he remained a key player on the Rangers’ top penalty-killing unit and partnered with K’Andre Miller on the second defensive pairing. His physicality, shot-blocking, offensive capabilities, and leadership make him a valuable player for the Rangers and a potential asset for other teams.
The primary challenge in trading Trouba lies in his salary. With an $8 million annual cap hit, his cost might outweigh his contributions if his performance trajectory continues to decline. The Rangers also face the need to free up cap space to acquire a top-six right-winger, necessitating an affordable replacement for Trouba on defense. Zac Jones is a potential candidate for increased playing time, possibly filling the gap left by Erik Gustafsson, an unrestricted free agent.
If the Rangers find a trade partner willing to absorb Trouba’s entire salary, the specifics of the return become less critical. Trading Trouba would save more money than a buyout, avoiding future cap penalties. Alongside waiving Barclay Goodrow and removing his $3.6 million average annual value (AAV) deal from the books, a successful Trouba trade would represent a significant offseason achievement for Drury and his team.
A trade involving Trouba would be a monumental decision for the Rangers, offering them essential flexibility, as emphasized by Seravelli. The move would alleviate significant cap space, allowing the Rangers to pursue other strategic additions to enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.
