Jacob Trouba’s future with the New York Rangers is uncertain, as NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggests the team might waive the defenseman. Trouba, who has a $56 million contract with two years remaining, was asked to provide a 15-team no-trade list, indicating the Rangers’ interest in trading him. He is set to earn $8 million in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
Despite being the Rangers’ captain, the team is considering waiving Trouba if they can’t facilitate a trade. This move would allow another team to claim him for free. Seravalli mentioned on Daily Faceoff’s Live Free Agency Special that there was speculation about Trouba ending up on waivers if his no-trade list posed obstacles, similar to Barclay Goodrow’s situation.
If Trouba is waived, it would be surprising due to his leadership role. However, the Rangers only have just over $8 million in cap space. Waiving Trouba and having another team claim him would free up an additional $8 million in cap space. Last season, Trouba scored 3 goals and provided 19 assists in 69 games.
Trouba was reportedly upset after being asked for his no-trade list. According to Larry Brooks of The New York Post, the captain’s feelings were hurt by the public disclosure of the team’s intentions. Despite this, the Rangers appear ready to move on from Trouba. They now have leverage with his limited no-trade clause and believe they can’t afford his $8 million cap hit for a defenseman projected to play on the third pair. If Trouba does not approve a trade to Detroit, which is believed to be in place, he might be waived.
Trouba was traded to New York from the Winnipeg Jets on June 17, 2019, and was named captain on August 9, 2022.
On the first day of free agency, the Rangers traded for forward Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins, sending a 2027 second-round draft pick and a 2025 second-round pick in exchange. Pittsburgh will retain 25% of Smith’s $5 million salary, so the Rangers will pay him $3.75 million. Smith, who recorded 13 goals and 27 assists in 76 games last season, won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
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