The Rangers have “multiple deals” for Jacob Trouba and need approval to waive the no-trade clause

Jacob Trouba’s tenure with the New York Rangers appears to be coming to an end, although the manner of his departure has yet to be clarified.

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports that the Rangers have “multiple deals on the table” for the veteran defenseman and team captain, but need his approval to waive his modified no-trade clause.

LeBrun added that Trouba would “sleep on it” on Thursday night and possibly decide his future on Friday. LeBrun reiterates The Athletic’s Arthur Staple’s report that Trouba could be at risk of being waived if he doesn’t waive his no-trade clause on one of the deals on the table.

New York claimed forward Barclay Goodrow off waivers in June after trying to find a spot on its no-trade list. He was claimed by the San Jose Sharks.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post first reported Friday that Trouba was not expected to practice Friday and would not be in the lineup for New York’s game against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. He cited “roster management” to keep Trouba off the ice.

Brooks reported in June that the Rangers were close to sending Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings, but it never materialized. Trouba’s no-move clause was converted to a 15-team no-trade clause on July 1.

“I had good communication with the organization throughout. I don’t really have much else to comment,” Trouba said of the offseason rumors in September. “A lot of things have been said and become blurred. …You have to find out where they came from. If you find out, let me know.”

The Rangers recalled defenseman Victor Mancini from the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack on Friday morning, but did not announce a move.

Trouba has six assists in 24 games this season for the struggling Rangers, who are in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 13-10-1.

The 30-year-old American and other notable Rangers names are rumored to be available if New York falls down the table.

“Rangers general manager Chris Drury is open for business, he has communicated this to other GMs around the league,” TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston said on November 26th. “He specifically mentioned Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider as experienced Rangers players” that he would be willing to move on given the right circumstances.

“I think this coming to light in the last day or two has sent a shockwave through the Rangers dressing room. Moving one of these players is not a simple transaction. Both have 15-team no-trade clauses in their contracts, so there could be a situation where the team would have to try to work with one of these players to get them to move.

“The mere fact that they are publicly known among other Rangers players reveals a little about the situation in New York that might surprise some people. Looking at the rankings, the Rangers hold a playoff spot. At this point, however, there was general dissatisfaction with the performance of some of the Rangers’ veteran players this season. They have lost three games in a row and management is now considering other options to remedy the situation. “

TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger said on Insider Trading two days later that Kaapo Kakko’s name had also resurfaced in trade rumors.

Trouba joined the Rangers before the 2019-20 season and has 31 goals and 105 assists in 364 games with New York, adding two goals and 11 assists in 46 playoff games.

After reaching the Eastern Conference finals last season, the Rangers have taken a step back in 2024-25.

“Last Crack” ends prematurely?

With the Rangers facing a cap crunch next summer, Trouba stated in the fall that the window for the team’s veteran players was closing.

“In all likelihood, this will be the final crack for this core,” Trouba told The Athletic during training camp. “I don’t think it’s a secret at all.”

Considered one of the NHL’s most physical blueliners, Trouba was named the 28th captain in Rangers history prior to the 2022-23 season.

Trouba is in the sixth year of a seven-year, $56 million contract with an average annual value of $8 million.

Trouba was originally selected ninth overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2012 NHL Draft and has recorded 73 goals and 242 assists in 772 career games for the Jets and Rangers. He has four goals and 15 assists in 73 career playoff games.