JUST IN: Rangers certain to wait until next offseason to trade defenseman

The New York Rangers have faced a tumultuous situation involving their captain, defenseman Jacob Trouba, this offseason. Reports indicate that the Rangers tried to trade Trouba at the start of free agency, but the 30-year-old defenseman refused. This has led to controversy and created a “messy” atmosphere within the Blueshirts’ locker room. Although a trade seems improbable this offseason, Trouba could still be traded in the near future.

The Rangers might plan to trade Jacob Trouba next offseason instead

Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports that the Rangers are likely to delay any trade involving Trouba until next offseason:

“Next summer, the chances of a Trouba trade increase from ‘nearly zero’ to ‘nearly certain,’” Staple stated. “Both the team and the captain understand the implications following the 2024-25 season.”

Staple emphasizes that a trade or buyout this summer is highly improbable. Trading Trouba now would create significant gaps in the defensive lineup, with few available solutions. The Rangers would need to secure another dependable defenseman capable of penalty killing and managing a full season, a rare find especially just two weeks after free agency began.

GM Chris Drury has attempted to smooth things over with Trouba

Although some Rangers fans may be keen to see Trouba leave following his lackluster performance in the 2023-24 season, they will need to accept that the captain will likely remain with the team.

Trouba was on the ice for 47% of the Rangers’ goals conceded in the final two rounds of the postseason before their early elimination. He registered only 22 points (three goals and 19 assists) in 69 games with a -4 rating during the regular season. His increasingly inconsistent play has tarnished fans’ views of the veteran captain.

However, without Trouba, the Rangers’ defensive lineup lacks sufficient talent. Even with him, some might argue the defense still falls short in quality. Keeping Trouba for now might be the best option and could lead to another eventful offseason in the summer of 2025.