Three days ago was the Stanley Cup awarded. And yet here we are, the day before the draft, and the opening of free agency is only a few days away. A few blinks and we might find ourselves back in the first day of the new season (which wouldn’t be all that horrible!). We have more rumours to share as the anticipation only becomes stronger. Jacob Trouba’s no-trade list is allegedly being requested by the New York Rangers today.
NHL rumours
Rumour: According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Trouba has been requested to submit a trade list by the Rangers.
When the new league year starts on Monday, Trouba’s contract will be changed from having a full no-movement clause to a 15-team no-trade list. The Rangers have requested Trouba’s 15-team roster, according to an announcement made by Arthur Staple of The Athletic.
Further to our man @reporterchris adding Jacob Trouba to his trade board — have heard that #NYR asked Trouba’s camp for the 15 teams on his no-trade list. That clause activates July 1. https://t.co/y14SWacF9v
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) June 27, 2024
The Rangers are moving their captain due of financial concerns.
Since joining the Rangers in 2019, Trouba has proven to be a dependable member of the team’s blue line. He even went on to be appointed captain of the Rangers.
Trouba does, however, have a $8 million cap hit for each of the following two seasons. This offseason, a number of Rangers players are up for extensions. In addition, after this upcoming season, star goalie Igor Shesterkin will be a free agent without restrictions. By making financial room now, the Rangers will be able to sign Shesterkin and other key players sooner rather than later.
It’s possible that the Rangers are considering adding players from outside the organisation. Rumour has it that the Rangers will attempt to sign Patrick Kane. In 2023, Kane was traded to the Rangers and stayed with them for a while. Last season, Kane was a member of the Detroit Red Wings.
Trouba’s Output Has Been Declining
Apart from the monetary requirements, Trouba’s output has been decreasing. This past season, Trouba scored 22 points in 69 games. He recorded minus-2.3 goals above replacement on defence and minus-3.2 goals above replacement on offence.
During the postseason, Trouba occasionally found himself on the third pairing instead of Braden Schneider. Schneider’s ice time increased from 15:54 to 17:32 during the playoffs, while Trouba’s decreased from 21:15 during the regular season to 20:59.
It’s a high price to pay $8 million for a defenseman who plays on the third pairing. Trouba might recover, but it might be wiser for the Rangers to trade him now while his value is still high.
What Will the Market Look Like?
Which teams are on Trouba’s no-trade list remains unknown. It seems likely that these are the clubs that are out of the running. Trouba might base a portion of his choices on places he would prefer not to reside during the upcoming two seasons.
Teams’ concerns about Trouba’s declining output and/or being matched with a third player in the postseason will determine how much Trouba is worth. If the Rangers are required to keep any portion of the contract in a trade, that will be intriguing to observe. Said another way, any money saved adds up over time.
Should the market fail to meet the Rangers’ expectations, they will probably hold onto Trouba in the hopes that he may make a comeback the following year. This differs from the Kevin Shattenkirk scenario, in which the Rangers were forced to cut ties with Shattenkirk right away. Trouba is still a valuable member of the Rangers. Trouba’s value will increase if he does recover, and the Rangers will probably move him at that point.
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