‘Disappointed and shocked’ Jacob Trouba could try to block trade to Rangers: NHL Insider

LAS VEGAS — In another twist regarding a possible trade of Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers, it is now believed that the Blueshirts captain could try to thwart a deal with strategic use of his 15-team no-trade clause coming into effect Monday.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman explained in his post-NHL draft edition of 32 thoughts podcast Saturday that Trouba and his “aggressive” agent Kurt Overhardt could try to block a trade out of New York.

It was reported earlier this week that the Rangers had asked Trouba to submit his 15-team no-trade list by July 1 so that general manager Chris Drury could get to work erasing the $8 million loss. Trouba dollars on New York’s salary cap books. There have been conflicting rumors about whether Trouba’s team has yet to submit this roster, as rumors mount that the Rangers are in talks with the Detroit Red Wings to fire the Michigan native at home.

It was also widely believed that Trouba would be open to a move to Detroit.

But Friedman used that scenario to suggest that Trouba could include the Red Wings on his 15-team list to get a trade off the ground and better control his own destiny. There aren’t many teams that can accommodate Trouba’s salary cap hit, especially if he’s not a top-four defenseman. In fact, a source close to Detroit confirmed to Forever Blueshirts a report from Larry Brooks that the Rangers would have to keep $2.5 million in salary in a potential Trouba trade.

“Will he make it strategic so that the places where the Rangers might actually be able to trade him, or think they might be able to trade him, will be blocked?” Frieddman theorized.

At the heart of this problem with a possible Trouba trade is that it is simply a deal for the Rangers, who are trying to create more salary cap space before July 1st. But this is a personal issue for the 30-year-old defender, who is a player and leader with heart and soul.

“One of the things that really made it difficult was Trouba had a hard time accepting the idea that the Rangers might want to get rid of him,” Friedman added.

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Rangers’ interest in trading Jacob Trouba is a personal matter for their captain

Trouba’s feelings haven’t been the focus of recent trade speculation. But Friedman delved into that aspect and how it could prompt him and his representative to retaliate against the Blueshirts. Through July 1, Trouba has a full no-trade clause in his contract and the Rangers would need his permission to be traded before that date. Trouba’s camp could also keep its no-trade list until the last minute.

“The only thing I’m reasonably certain of is that this whole situation that has developed over the last two weeks has been tough on Trouba,” Friedman said. “For example, if you go back to when he left Winnipeg and was traded by Winnipeg, the Jets and the player were ready to divorce. It was time for both of them to move on, and they did. In this particular case, the Rangers may have decided for cap reasons to do so, but that doesn’t mean Trouba is ready for it. I think he was disappointed. I think he was shocked.

Friedman added that he was told Saturday that a possible Trouba trade “is not close,” perhaps because the Rangers’ efforts are thwarted.

“This is a much bigger challenge than you (the media) think,” Friedman said.

Of course, the Rangers could be in trouble if a trade doesn’t happen and they’ll have to mend fences with the player who wears the C on his sweater. Then again, the Rangers could place Trouba on waivers and hope he and his entire cap hit for the next two seasons are claimed, as was the case with Barclay Goodrow when he was claimed by the San Jose Sharks.

It is therefore becoming increasingly clear that this has not been and will not be easy or comfortable.

But getting Trouba out of the contract one way or another is a crucial factor in how the Rangers conduct the rest of their operations and build their roster this offseason.