The difficulty of the New York Rangers to get rid of the contract of defender Jacob Trouba, the team’s captain, has contributed significantly to the team’s lackluster offseason thus far. According to reports, the Rangers and Red Wings were in advanced talks about trading Trouba to Detroit; however, the transaction appeared to fall through as a result of Trouba’s reluctance to move.
Because it puts the locker room at danger, trying to trade away a team captain is never an easy task. The Rangers’ locker room appears to be a little disappointed with their offseason drama involving Captain Trouba, according to an NHL insider.
The Rangers are reportedly dealing with a messy team dynamic due to the Jacob Trouba drama
The Trouba crisis is causing the Blueshirts to have a “messy” team dynamic at the moment, according to Vince Mercogliano of Lohud:
Mercogliano claimed that “one league source said the team dynamic is’messy right now,’ given the Trouba drama and the cunning way in which Goodrow was waived to get around San Jose being on his 15-team no-trade list.”
According to Mercogliano’s report, Drury’s ruthless decision to dismiss veteran player Barclay Goodrow earlier in the offseason appears to have rubbed some teammates the wrong way. Despite blocking a trade to San Jose, Goodrow was waived by the Rangers with the knowledge that San Jose would submit a claim, and he was eventually acquired by the Sharks.
Could Trouba still be on his way out of New York?
Conversely, Trouba’s drama with the team was made public when it was revealed that one of the reasons he remained in New York was because of his wife’s hospital residency:
According to Larry Brooks of The New York Post, “a number of teams that otherwise would have been in big-time on Trouba now likely to wait until next year when Dr. Tyson-Trouba’s residency ends with the defenseman having one final season on his contract.”
Due to Kelly Tyson-Trouba’s hospital residency, the team captain is unlikely to change teams this offseason. However, there should still be interest in his services next offseason.
Trouba concluded a disappointing 2023-24 season with just 22 points (three goals and 19 assists) in 69 games and a -4 rating. He was on the ice for 47% of the Rangers’ conceded goals during the last two rounds of the postseason before their early exit.
The Rangers’ defense still lacks the quality needed to compete against teams like the champion Florida Panthers and other strong Eastern Conference lineups. Trading Trouba could have freed up salary cap space for roster improvements for the 2024 season. Instead, they will likely have to manage an unhappy Trouba leading their defense and locker room for another season.