Top Sportsnet Analyst Predicts Jacob Trouba May Be Traded Again This Season
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
December 9, 2024 (10:19)
Jacob Trouba was finally traded after months of speculation, but according to a top reporter, there's a chance that may not be the only trade for him this season.
This past week was a crazy one for the New York Rangers and former captain Jacob Trouba, as he was seemingly forced into a trade, eventually accepting a deal to head West and join the Anaheim Ducks.
According to reports, he blocked a trade to the division rival Columbus Blue Jackets, but ultimately, in a move that could force the NHL's hand, he accepted a deal to become a Duck.
However, in a shock turn of events, Luke Fox of Sportsnet has made a shocking prediction, revealing that he believes GM Pat Verbeek could look to retain cap space on Trouba and flip him back East at some point this year.
"Could Ducks GM Pat Verbeek eat some of Trouba's salary and flip him to a contender? Perhaps send him back to the East, closer to his wife's hospital residency, for the final year-and-a-half of the defenceman's contract?" - Luke Fox of Sportsnet
On top of that, The Hockey News have added the caveat that they believe he'll be traded in the summer if he's not moved during the regular season, and given that the Ducks have spare salary cap room, retaining money to get an extra asset would be a brilliant move on their part.
"We believe Trouba shouldn't get all that comfortable in Anaheim, because another trade may be in Trouba's future - either by or before this season's March 7 trade deadline, or in the off-season." - Adam Proteau of The Hockey News
Given that the Ducks aren't ready to compete for a Stanley Cup, it makes sense if Trouba would be open to moving on once more, especially if it's to head back East and be closer to his partner's work.
Ultimately, it makes perfect sense for the Ducks to try and flip Trouba to get an asset in return, and given that there's plenty of contenders that would love a blue line piece with his pedigree, expect plenty of interest from opposing teams moving forward.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 9 | 150 ANSWERS Top Sportsnet Analyst Predicts Jacob Trouba May Be Traded Again This Season Will Jacob Trouba be traded again this season? |
Yes | 95 | 63.3 % |
No | 55 | 36.7 % |
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