Rangers move on from captain Jacob Trouba in trade with Ducks amid recent struggles

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The New York Rangers are trading captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks after the Broadway Blueshirts dropped to 1-6 in their last seven games and general manager Chris Drury looks to shake up the stagnant core.

Trouba, 30, was acquired by the Rangers prior to the 2019-2020 season from the Winnipeg Jets and signed a seven-year, $56 million contract with the Rangers.

Prior to the 2022-2023 season, he was named the 28th captain in team history. But his tenure with the Rangers has been a turbulent one, leading to him being scratched from the lineup Friday morning.

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New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba skates against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at Madison Square Garden.  (Danny Wild/Imagn Images)

Trouba was scratched for roster management reasons because Drury was preparing to move on from the defenseman. In return, the Rangers are receiving 25-year-old defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick from the Ducks.

The Ducks are also reportedly taking on the full salary of Trouba’s remaining contract through the end of next season. 

While the Rangers have struggled recently, they are 13-10-1 this season and very much in the playoff hunt.

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New York Rangers right wing Reilly Smith, left, talks with defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) during a timeout against the St. Louis Blues in the first period at Madison Square Garden.  (Danny Wild/Imagn Images)

The Ducks are 10-11-3 and will rely on Trouba’s leadership to help a young team grow. 

The trade of Trouba