Rangers deal captain Trouba to Ducks for depth player, 4th-round pick

The New York Rangers traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks for fellow defenceman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round draft pick.

The Ducks will take on the full remaining salary for Trouba, the veteran blue liner who had fallen out of favor in New York as the front office eyed a shake-up.

"Jacob has been an example on and off the ice for our organization and played a major role in our success over the last several years," Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury said in a statement. "Since coming to New York five years ago, and serving as captain for the last three seasons, he has demonstrated grit, toughness, and tremendous leadership."

It was reported earlier Friday the Rangers were prepared to trade Trouba or waive him if no trading partner was found. He was going to be a healthy scratch for Friday night's game against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins.

Trouba, 30, reportedly waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the move.

Trouba has six assists in 24 games this season. He led New York with 68 blocks while averaging 20 minutes in ice time.

He is in the sixth season of a seven-year, $56-million US contract signed in July 2019 and carries an $8 million cap hit.

Drafted ninth overall by Winnipeg in 2012, Trouba has 73 goals and 315 points in 772 NHL regular-season games with the Jets (2013-19) and Rangers.

From Anaheim, GM Pat Verbeek on Jacob Trouba:<br><br>“Jacob is a highly respected player in this league whose character and leadership qualities on and off the ice are second to none. We believe Jacob has many more years in this league and hope he is a big part of our future success.…

The free-falling Rangers (13-10-1) have dropped six of their last seven games, most recently a 5-1 home