Jacob Trouba emerges as early trade bait for the New York Rangers this season
The Rangers Captain Jacob Trouba was thought to be a part of a trade in June, as the team was trying to save money on salary cap space.
That later would turn out to be speculation, and Trouba wouldn't end up being moved. There was word that Trouba shot down a trade to Detroit, and the Rangers would have to eat his $8 Million AAV cap, for another year.
We're now in November, and the speculation is heating up again as Trouba's play has improved this season.
However, Trouba's NMC reverted to a 15-team no-trade clause for this season and a 12-team no-trade clause effective next July 1 for the final season of his contract. That's prompted some observers to suggest that Drury will shop the veteran blueliner next summer.
This past Friday, The Athletic's Arthur Staples speculated that Trouba would be gone at the end of this season. This would free up space to sign multiple free agents as those listed below:
Of course, affording the majority is out of the question but moving Trouba's salary would free up necessary space for the team.
Arthur Staple's optimistic outlook believes that the Rangers could move Trouba's contract without attaching picks or prospects.
He also speculated that the team could trade K'Andre Miller, but for now, it seems that Trouba is the odd man out.
Right-shot defensemen are at a premium in the NHL, so GM Chris Drury could use that logic when moving him.
His $8.0 Million AAV is costly for many clubs, who aren't rebuilding and if there's a contender who wants him, they'll have to move a considerable amount of salary to acquire him.
For now, it's difficult to tell what the Rangers could receive for Trouba for comparables.
| POLL | ||
Would you trade Jacob Trouba during the offseason or the trade deadline? | ||
