It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the Christmas season, but some teams may be in a Grinchy mood. A number of teams have fallen short of expectations and are desperate to make changes. There’s still time to salvage the season, but some moves need to be made now. One team that may undergo an overhaul is the New York Rangers. This edition of NHL rumours deals with one key player that could find his time with the club running short.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New York Rangers Captain Could be Finished with Club
Rumour: Multiple sources are reporting that veteran defenceman Jacob Trouba could be on the outs with the Blueshirts. The Rangers captain is being held out of the lineup due to “roster management” reasons and was not part of the morning skate. He will not play in Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Per league source, Jacob Trouba will not be skating with the #NYR for “roster management” purposes. Sounds like a ball is in the air, whether it be trade or possible waiving.
Victor Mancini has been recalled.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) December 6, 2024
Analysis: Vince Z. Mercogliano of NorthJersey.com said “a ball is in the air” when it comes to the Rangers defenceman. A trade or Trouba being placed on waivers could be happening. The 30-year-old is currently making $8 million per season and has one more year left on his deal after the conclusion of the season.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan said that a number of clubs have called to check in on the captain. However, a deal has yet to be made. Kaplan reports that the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets have been linked to the Michigan native.
This isn’t the first time that Trouba has been linked to a deal. Many thought a trade to Detroit was close to happening over the summer. However, nothing came of those talks.
One thing to keep in mind is that Trouba has a 15-team no-trade list. Rangers General Manager Chris Drury could get him to waive that clause, but the ball is in Trouba’s court when it comes to swinging a deal.
What’s Next?
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also confirmed that the Blue Jackets have shown interest in Trouba. The Jackets are not likely to be a Stanley Cup Playoff team. However, the roster has shown plenty of fight and he’d would pair nicely with Zach Werenski.
Kaplan added that something like this has been in the works and Trouba has been well-aware of what’s going on. A deal didn’t happen over the summer, but he was aware that his time in New York may have been limited.
TSN’s Chris Johnston said that there “are a lot of balls in the air” when it comes to Trouba. The Rangers probably would like to make a trade, but he could be put on the waiver wire once 2 p.m. Eastern Time hits.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic has also confirmed that multipe teams are in on Trouba. Fellow Athletic scribe Arthur Staple said that Trouba is likely to sleep on a deal and make his decision. Whatever the case, it’s going to a move that will change the direction of the Rangers.
Main photo by: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
