Welcome to your New York Rangers offseason grades! It ultimately did not end the way the organization wanted it to, but there was a lot of jog and excitement. It is summertime for the Rangers, but that does not mean we cannot reminisce on the season. Today we will look at Jacob Trouba’s offseason grade.
New York Rangers Offseason Grades
Report Card: Jacob Trouba
Jacob Trouba with a hit on Timo Meier in the middle of the ice pic.twitter.com/Tt9b17N2aV
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 2, 2023
The following New York Rangers offseason grade is none other than the captain. Regardless of his contract situation, Trouba is a guy you can rally behind as he sets the tone. Many people would have different choices for someone to wear the “C,” but Trouba is it. He is not the flashiest player on the ice, and his style of play can raise eyebrows. But you must always be aware when number 8 is on the ice.
The Season
When you think of Trouba, to me he is the modern-day Scott Stevens. In an era of hockey that is striving to eliminate bone-crushing hockey checks, Trouba has the ability to deliver those. One of those bone-crushing hits happened in the playoffs when he levelled Timo Meier on open ice. Among all skaters that went on to log 200 minutes, he finished 19th in hits (218). Physical play is a huge part of his game. In addition to laying the body, he finished fourth in blocked shots (196). Trouba plays the game hard and will go the extra mile to sacrifice himself. However, he is not the flashiest. Trouba went on to score just eight goals, 22 assists, and 30 points.
There are some downfalls to his game. Trouba had 49 giveaways with 37 of them being in the defensive zone. In addition, Trouba had the second-highest xGoals against (63.65). Not to mention, his partner had the highest on the team in this regard. What this means is as a pair and individually, they were allowing the opposition to generate good chances. However, Trouba was opportunistic and had the third highest xGoals for (61.51). That did hold to be true. As a pair alongside Miller, the duo averaged 2.55 expected goals against per 60 minutes. The worst part is they averaged 2.95 goals against per 60 minutes. Sadly, this was the worst pair on the roster in this regard.
Jacob Trouba threw his helmet and shouted at the bench as he made his way to the locker room after his fight with Jonathan Toews.
(via @RTaub_)pic.twitter.com/rm1pr7GNg2
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) December 4, 2022
Trouba may not be the best player on the ice, but when he threw his helmet and slammed the boards in frustration, it woke the team up.
The Playoffs
This is where the New York Rangers offseason grade takes a swan dive. Trouba was one of three players to be held pointless throughout the first-round series. Unfortunately, Trouba was not much of a factor in this series. He finished with the fifth-highest xGoals against (8.57). Like much of the team, the speed was too much for Trouba. Between him and Miller, they gave up the most high-danger chances. Simply put, they got outworked when they were on the ice. It was too little too late until he made his mark. Being down 3-0 in the game, Trouba levelled Meier in open ice. There is a sour taste in the mouth of the captain who will look to bounce back next season.
The Verdict
This New York Rangers offseason grade is an interesting case. Trouba has so many intangibles to his game that make you want to rally behind him. He brings a lot of physicality and a blue-collared attitude on the ice. However, his level of play was noticeable in terms of getting outworked. It happens and is unfortunate but that is the case for the captain. Flip the page and start writing the chapter for next season.
Grade: C+
Main Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
