The New York Rangers are preparing to scratch their captain, Jacob Trouba, from Friday night’s lineup as they weigh whether to trade him or place him on waivers. This move marks a turning point for the team as they look to shake up their roster and improve their defense.
Trouba’s Time in New York Hanging by a Thread
Trouba, 30, has one year left on his contract with an $8 million cap hit. Despite being named captain in 2022 and praised for his leadership, his future with the team is now uncertain. General manager Chris Drury is exploring changes to the team’s core after recent struggles, and Trouba is a primary candidate for a shake-up.
Sources indicate that Drury sent a memo to the other 31 NHL general managers a few weeks ago, signaling willingness to listen to trade offers for Trouba and forward Chris Kreider. Now, with limited options and financial flexibility needed, the Rangers are reportedly open to waiving Trouba, a similar path they took with Barclay Goodrow earlier this year.
Waivers Could Be the Next Step
The Rangers’ plan to waive Trouba would put him on a path to being claimed by another team without the Rangers needing to receive assets in return. It would also place pressure on Trouba to decide whether to waive his no-trade clause to have more control over his destination.
Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic reports that the Rangers have received multiple trade offers involving Trouba but that each would require him to waive his no-trade clause.
To fill the gap, the Rangers have called up Victor Mancini, a 22-year-old right-shot defenseman. Mancini showed promise during training camp and has already played 10 games this season. His promotion highlights the Rangers’ focus on youth and flexibility as they try to move forward.
Why This Matters
Removing Trouba’s $8 million cap hit would give the Rangers much-needed space to address defensive issues that have plagued them this season. New York is coming off a rough 1-6-0 stretch heading into Friday’s game against the Penguins, and strengthening their defensive lineup is a top priority.
Trouba was signed to a seven-year, $8 million-a-year deal in 2019 after leaving Winnipeg. His primary reason for relocating to New York was his wife’s medical studies, and he quickly became a leader for the team after being named captain. Now, it appears his tenure in New York is coming to an end as the Rangers look for solutions.
What’s Next for the Rangers?
As they prepare to face the Penguins, the Rangers will likely move forward without their captain in the lineup. Whether they ultimately trade Trouba or place him on waivers, this is a big shift for a team that has struggled to maintain defensive consistency this year.
While Trouba’s leadership has been important in the past, the team’s financial flexibility and strategic adjustments will now take priority. His future in New York is uncertain, but the next few weeks will likely reveal the team’s next steps.
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