Jacob Trouba’s $8 Million Dilemma for the Rangers

Following another disappointing elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Rangers are in a period of introspection. Their defeat, largely attributed to the Florida Panthers, highlighted several areas of concern, particularly on defense. Despite their offensive struggles, the defense’s inability to efficiently clear the puck and reduce prolonged defensive zone play was glaring. Among the underperformers, captain Jacob Trouba stood out for all the wrong reasons. His lack of speed and effective puck handling made him a significant liability during critical moments.

Trouba is committed to the Rangers for the next two seasons with an $8 million annual cap hit. This contract is a significant burden, and if you asked General Manager Chris Drury which contract he’d prefer to offload, Trouba’s would likely be the top candidate. This article explores the three potential scenarios for Trouba’s future with the Rangers this offseason and their possible ramifications.

Option 1: Keeping Trouba

The most plausible scenario is that the Rangers retain Trouba for the upcoming season. Although his trade protection eases starting July 1st, making a trade feasible, it is doubtful any team would be willing to take on his full cap hit. Therefore, the Rangers might hold onto Trouba, hoping for an improvement in his performance. Despite his declining on-ice performance, Trouba’s leadership qualities remain invaluable. As the team captain, his influence extends beyond the rink, providing crucial motivation and guidance during tough times. His ability to inspire with a timely speech or a significant hit makes him a vital figure in the locker room.

On the ice, Trouba will likely begin next season as the third-pairing right-handed defenseman. After returning from an injury in March, he struggled alongside his usual partner, K’Andre Miller, and was subsequently moved to the third pair for the remainder of the season and the playoffs. While he occasionally played with Miller during the playoffs, he ultimately finished the postseason on the third pair. Braden Schneider’s ability to fill the role alongside Miller suggests that limiting Trouba’s ice time might be necessary for the Rangers’ success. Although it’s not ideal to have an $8 million defenseman on the third pair, it’s preferable to exposing him to the opposition’s top talent nightly.

 Option 2: Buying Out Trouba’s Contract

Another option for the Rangers, if they cannot find a trade partner, is to buy out the remaining two years of Trouba’s contract. A buyout would span four years, saving the Rangers $4 million in cap space for the first two years, followed by a $2 million cap hit for the next two. This additional cap space could be crucial for the Rangers, especially as they seek to bolster their roster with a top-six right winger. With nearly $9 million in cap space and several restricted free agents to sign, the extra $4 million could facilitate significant upgrades.

If Trouba were to remain, he would likely serve as the third-pairing defenseman. A buyout would allow the Rangers to seek a cheaper, more mobile replacement, addressing their need for quick, puck-moving defensemen. Trouba’s size is an asset, but his lack of speed often causes issues. While buying out the team captain might seem harsh, it could be the most beneficial move for the Rangers in the long run.

Option 3: Trading Trouba’s Contract

Trading Trouba is the least likely option, yet it remains a possibility. Starting in the 2024-25 season, Trouba’s no-move clause will be modified to a 15-team no-trade list, opening the door to 16 potential trade partners. However, many of these teams may have other priorities or lack the cap space to accommodate his contract. The Rangers could retain a portion of his salary to facilitate a trade but are reluctant to attach additional assets just to offload his contract. While acquiring draft picks would be ideal, the Rangers are in a win-now mode and would likely seek a player who can contribute immediately. The challenge is whether such a “hockey trade” is feasible, given the constraints and Trouba’s perceived value.

 Trouba’s Tenure with the Rangers

Trouba’s tenure with the Rangers, since his acquisition in the 2019 offseason, has been tumultuous. His $8 million contract has always been a point of contention among the fanbase, who feel he has never quite lived up to his salary. If Trouba were earning half as much, the scrutiny would likely be less intense, and fans might focus their frustrations elsewhere. However, his substantial salary combined with his recent struggles ensures that he remains a focal point of criticism.

The Rangers face a significant challenge with Trouba’s contract this offseason. Whether they decide to keep him, buy out his contract, or attempt a trade, each option carries its own set of complexities and implications for the team’s future. As they look to build on their recent playoff runs and strive for a championship, resolving the Trouba dilemma will be a crucial step in their offseason strategy.