The New York Rangers have traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks after a 1-6 skid in their last seven games, with General Manager Chris Drury looking to shake up the team’s stagnant core. Trouba, 30, was acquired by the Rangers in 2019-2020 and signed a seven-year, $56 million contract. He was named captain prior to the 2022-2023 season but has struggled this season with just six points in 24 games, leading to his demotion to a third-pair defenseman.
In return, the Rangers receive 25-year-old defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick from the Ducks, who also take on the full salary of Trouba’s remaining contract through the end of next season. The Ducks, struggling with a 10-11-3 record, hope Trouba’s leadership will help a young team grow.
This trade marks the third time a Rangers captain has been traded in recent years, following Ryan McDonagh to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Ryan Callahan to the same team. The Trade of Trouba continues a trend of unceremonious exits for Blueshirt captains.
The trade opens up a spot on the Rangers’ roster, and they will aim to get back on track when they play the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday. The Ducks, meanwhile, were set to face the Minnesota Wild at 10 p.m. ET, but it is unclear if Trouba will make his debut in that game.
