Jacob Trouba, ‘disappointed and shocked,’ could try to block Rangers trade: 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 may attempt to thwart a deal by strategically using his 15-team no-trade clause which takes effect Monday.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman explained in his post-NHL draft edition the 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 this scenario to present the opportunity for Trouba to include the Red Wings on his 15-team roster in order to initiate a trade and better control his own destiny. There aren’t many teams that can deal with Trouba’s hitting, especially if he isn’t a top-four defender. In fact, a source close to Detroit confirmed to Forever Blueshirts a report from Larry Brooks that the Rangers are expected to retain $2.5 million in salary as part of a potential Trouba trade.

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

The heart of the matter with a potential Trouba trade is that it is simply a matter of business for the Rangers, who are trying to create more space under the salary cap before the free agent market begins on 1st of July. But this is a personal matter 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 move on from him,” Friedman added.

Related: Top right wing options likely available to Rangers when NHL free agency begins Monday

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 deeper into this angle and how it could spur him and his representation to fight back against the Blueshirts. Until July 1, Trouba has a full no-move clause in his contract and the Rangers would need his permission to trade before then. 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 potential Trouba trade “isn’t close,” perhaps because the Rangers’ efforts are being thwarted.

“It’s a much bigger challenge than you (the media) think,” Friedman said.

Sure, the Rangers could be in a tough spot if the trade doesn’t happen and they have to reconcile with the player who wears the C on his jersey. But the Rangers could also put Trouba on waivers and hope that he and his entire two-year cap hit 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 rid of Trouba’s contract one way or another is a crucial factor in how the Rangers will handle the rest of their business and roster construction this offseason.

Mentioned in this article:Elliotte FriedmanJacob TroubaNHL Free AgencyNHL Trade Rumors

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