New York Rangers defenseman and team captain Jacob Trouba will not be participating in the upcoming Friday night game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with sources confirming to ESPN that the decision is due to “roster management purposes.” This comes as the Rangers are actively looking to trade the 30-year-old defenseman, who has been an integral part of the team since joining in 2019.
The Rangers have reportedly presented Trouba with multiple trade options to consider. However, Trouba, who has a 15-team no-trade clause in his contract that runs through the 2025-26 season, has some control over where he could be moved. The clause allows him to veto a trade to any team on his list, giving him leverage. His $8 million salary cap hit has also added complexity to the situation.
Rangers Sitting Jacob Trouba Amid Trade Discussions
Sources suggest that teams such as the Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators, and Buffalo Sabres have recently had discussions with the Rangers about potentially acquiring Trouba. The Rangers, struggling with their current form, could use the threat of placing Trouba on waivers to further pressure him, removing any veto rights he might have over a trade. This strategy is similar to a controversial move made earlier this year when the Rangers placed forward Barclay Goodrow on waivers, clearing his contract when the San Jose Sharks claimed him in a prearranged move.
In a significant contract shift this past summer, Trouba’s contract transitioned from an entire no-movement clause to a partial 15-team no-trade clause on July 1. This change prompted the Rangers to request Trouba’s no-trade list while he still held a whole no-movement clause, signalling that the team was already exploring trade options for the defenseman. However, no deal was finalised, leaving Trouba’s future with the Rangers uncertain.
The Rangers are currently sitting at 13-10-1 for the season, ranking fourth in the Metropolitan Division and holding the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Despite the team’s position in the standings, their recent performance has been concerning, with six regulation losses in their past seven games. As a result, general manager Chris Drury sent a memo to all 31 NHL teams in late November, declaring the Rangers open for business and highlighting Trouba and veteran forward Chris Kreider as potential trade candidates.
Throughout the season, the prospect of a trade has loomed over Trouba. The defenseman has spoken publicly about his frustration with the constant speculation surrounding his future, particularly about media reports involving his wife, Dr. Kelly Tyson-Trouba, and her medical career in New York. Trouba has previously indicated that her job played a key role in his decision to join the Rangers from the Winnipeg Jets in 2019.
“I love living here. I love New York. My family loves it here, as everybody knows,” Trouba said in training camp. “I’m happy to be here.” Despite his fondness for the city and the team, the uncertainty of his future in New York has taken a toll.
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With Trouba out of the lineup, the Rangers have recalled defenseman Victor Mancini from their AHL affiliate. Mancini will likely fill in for Trouba as the Rangers attempt to stabilise their roster and address the struggles that have contributed to their recent slide.
As trade rumours continue to swirl, it remains to be seen where Trouba will end up and how the Rangers will navigate these turbulent waters. While the trade market remains open, the clock is ticking, and the Rangers are under pressure to make a move that could help reshape their roster and improve their performance moving forward.
