In breaking news, General Manager of the New York Rangers Chris Drury has officially traded the team captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in return for Urho Vaakanainen and a draft pick.
Such an announcement was expected from fans after insiders reported on Friday morning that Trouba wouldn't be a part of tonight's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In Anaheim, Trouba is expected to bring his physicality and leadership to the Ducks' locker room, helping the younger players develop.
As for the Rangers, they got exactly what they needed.
Vaakanainen signed a one-year, $1.1 million AAV contract last summer.
By acquiring the 25-year-old Finnish defenseman drafted 18th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2017, they freed up nearly $6 million in cap space:
Drury won't only have enough money to sign Igor Shesterkin to a big contract, but also add significant talent to help his team win as they try to bounce back from their tough start.
The defensive defenseman could have an opportunity to reach his full potential in New York, in a winning environment with leaders such as Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin.
In the 2023-24 season, he was limited to 68 games due to injuries, but still tallied 14 points, including one goal.
While the team is going through a rough patch right now, the change in leadership, as well as other potential additions to the lineup, could give the player a chance to develop into a full-time NHLer.
It'll be interesting to see who becomes the next captain of the team. The chosen player will have big shoes to fill after Trouba.
At the end of the season, when we look back on this moment, the Rangers hope to be able to say that it was a turning point in their season as they look to get back on the winning path.t
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 6 | 219 ANSWERS New York Rangers Finally Trade Jacob Trouba Do you think the New York Rangers got a fair return from the Anaheim Ducks in the Jacob Trouba trade? | ||
Yes | 92 | 42 % |
No | 127 | 58 % |
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