New York Rangers are targeting Ottawa Senators captain

The New York Rangers became the center of attention when reports suggested they essentially cut ties with captain Jacob Trouba. Some teams have expressed trade interest in Trouba, but a partial no-trade clause has made it difficult for the Rangers. They may have no choice but to place him on waivers and let another team acquire him for nothing in return.

If the Rangers lose Trouba for nothing, it will free up $8 million in salary cap space. That overall would give them enough leeway to attack another captain they may have their eye on.

According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Rangers have their sights set on Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk. Brooks didn’t say the Rangers are looking to make a blockbuster captain-for-captain trade, but the situation is definitely good.

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan noted that the Senators were a team interested in acquiring Trouba at one point or another, but it’s not clear whether that happened in the offseason or in recent weeks. TSN’s Darren Dreger stated that there are no connections between the Rangers and the Senators, but that concerns the Trouba situation.

TSN’s Bruce Garrioch also says there’s been no word from the Senators and that they’re not concerned about their captain, but that doesn’t mean he’s not on the Rangers’ radar.

“Truba’s excision solves a problem, but Drury has been in trade talks with several clubs this week, with The Post learning that OTT’s Brady Tkachuk has become the Rangers’ top target.”

Previous reports suggested that the Senators are looking to make a big change to their lineup and a member of their young core could be the centerpiece.

Tkachuk makes just over $8.2 million against the cap and has no trade protection. A full no-move clause comes into effect at the start of the 2025/26 season and lasts until the end of the contract in 2028.

There’s a lot of drama unfolding around the Rangers and Trouba, and nothing is certain until the teams make things official. Right now there will be a lot of time to sit around and wait for things to develop.

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