Rangers Trade Jacob Trouba To The Ducks

by | Dec 6, 2024

Rangers Trade Jacob Trouba To The Ducks

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the New York Rangers are trading defenseman Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also reports the Rangers won’t be retaining salary in the deal, meaning the Ducks are taking on his full $8 million average annual value for this season and next.

New York Rangers trade Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks (NHL Images).

It’s not much of a return for Trouba. Vaakanainen was a former first-round pick of the Boston Bruins and was shipped to the Ducks at the March 2022 trade deadline as part of the deal that sent Hampus Lindholm to the Bruins. The 25-year-old was used as a depth defenseman by the Ducks. He’s battled injuries in his career and is currently on IR with an upper-body injury.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury reached the point where moving Trouba and his cap hit was more important than the return.

The defenseman used his full no-movement clause to block Drury’s attempt to trade him to the Detroit Red Wings in June. Given Trouba’s sub-par performance this season it was obvious he was bothered by Drury’s efforts to move him this summer.

Trouba carries a 15-team no-trade list this season, meaning he could be shipped out to another club before the March 7 trade deadline. He could be a solid addition to the rebuilding Ducks if he returns to the physical style that earned him the Rangers’ captaincy. 

Whether he regains his form in Anaheim remains to be seen. If he doesn’t, they could have a difficult time drumming up interest in the trade market.

Trading Trouba might not be the only move Drury has up his sleeve. It was reported last week he’d made several veterans available in the trade market, with Trouba and power forward Chris Kreider mentioned in the rumor mill. It’ll be interesting to see if Kreider follows Trouba out of New York in the coming weeks.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 6, 2024

by | Dec 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 6, 2024

Speculation has started over how the Dallas Stars will replace sidelined center Tyler Seguin, plus the latest on Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW WILL THE STARS REPLACE TYLER SEGUIN?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Dallas Stars will look within their organization to replace sidelined forward Tyler Seguin. The 32-year-old underwent hip surgery this week and will be sidelined for the next four to six months.

Nevertheless, LeBrun also believes the Stars could place Seguin on long-term injury reserve and use the salary-cap savings to acquire an experienced forward.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

LeBrun suggests Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders could be a target target, adding the Minnesota Wild could also be interested in the 33-year-old center. However, he’s doubtful Nelson could be available as Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello won’t move him if they’re in the playoff chase and doesn’t always move his pending unrestricted free agents.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman claims the Stars’ Western Conference opponents believe they’ll take advantage of the LTIR space at the trade deadline and aim for Seguin to return for the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seguin’s average annual value is $9.875 million. The Stars haven’t placed him on LTIR yet. They currently have over $2 million in cap space and $6.5 million in projected trade-deadline space.

GM Jim Nill might not have to put Seguin on LTIR to acquire a forward by the deadline. However, he’ll have that option if he wants to make a couple of big splashes in the trade market before the deadline.

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM ELLIOTTE FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports New York Rangers GM Chris Drury is trying to figure out what he can do throughout his roster to improve it. Contracts with full or limited trade protection are a hurdle. He believes Drury has spoken with the Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators must shore up their defense, especially the right side among their top-four blueliners. The Rangers aren’t parting with Adam Fox or Braden Schneider but are trying to move Jacob Trouba. However, the Senators are likely on his 15-team no-trade list.

Speaking of Trouba, Friedman wonders how interested someone will be in acquiring him if he’s unhappy with a trade before next season. He also indicated the reaction to the Rangers making Chris Kreider available was one of puzzlement. “Why would they want to trade this guy?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider is the longest-serving player on the Rangers and a heart-and-soul leader. Perhaps Drury believes the 33-year-old winger’s best years are behind him and hopes to make the most of his trade value before it declines.

**UPDATE: The New York Post and The Athletic report Trouba has been held out of the lineup for Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins for the purpose of “roster management.” The decision could be a prelude to a trade or placing him on waivers.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Rangers have multiple offers on the table for Trouba but they need him to waive his no-trade clause. Stay tuned***

Friedman doesn’t believe J.T. Miller has requested a trade from the Vancouver Canucks. The 31-year-old center is on an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: His inclusion on Team USA’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February suggests Miller could be close to returning to the Canucks.

Speaking of the Canucks, Friedman believes the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in winger Nils Hoglander. He also indicated the Penguins “have shoppers for Drew O’Connor.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hoglander for O’Connor, who says no? Discuss in the comments section below.

Teams interested in gritty two-way forward Trent Frederic wonder how serious the Boston Bruins are about signing him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frederic, 26, is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer. He recently became the subject of trade speculation. The Bruins won’t trade him as long as they remain in playoff contention but could consider it if they slide out of the postseason picture by the March 7 trade deadline.

Nashville Predators rugged defenseman Jeremy Lauzon is drawing interest despite being sidelined by an injury. Meanwhile, Friedman believes little-used Predators center Juuso Parssinen could reach the point where he’ll want a change of scenery.

The Florida Panthers will look to add a right-shot defenseman at some point.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 5, 2024

by | Dec 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 5, 2024

Check out the latest on Canucks center J.T. Miller, Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and Rangers center Mika Zibanejad in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS PRESIDENT WANTS RUMORS ABOUT J.T. MILLER TO STOP

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford wants the baseless rumors swirling around J.T. Miller to stop.

Miller’s been on an indefinite leave of absence from the Canucks since Nov. 19. Johnston indicates he’s “looking to get himself right”, focussing on getting himself mentally back to where he was.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

However, the lack of details over Miller’s absence has prompted speculation suggesting he clashed with head coach Rick Tocchet or doesn’t see eye-to-eye with teammate Elias Pettersson. Some wonder if Miller could be traded to the Boston Bruins or New York Rangers.

Rutherford, however, shot down that speculation. “Don’t start making stuff up on someone in this situation. That’s disrespectful,” he said. He also said that he’s not trading Miller. “We stand by him.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s natural to speculate when a player is absent for no specified reason. Nevertheless, those who did could’ve saved themselves the trouble if they had done a bit of research. On Nov. 19, Johnston reported that Miller was trying to play through an injury but the emotional weight of doing so overwhelmed him.

The good news is Miller could return to action soon. He has a roster spot on Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

NO TRUTH TO RUMOR LINKING MALKIN TO THE STARS

THE ATHLETIC’s Rob Rossi took to social media on Wednesday to address a rumor linking Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin to the Dallas Stars. In short, “It’s never happening.”

Rossi writes it felt like he spent “25 percent” of his time shooting down Sidney Crosby trade rumors. “Anyway, take what I said about Crosby – it’s never happening – and apply it to Evgeni Malkin.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shades of “Malkin to the Kings” 16 years ago. The originator of the current Malkin rumor acknowledged the 38-year-old center would have to waive his no-movement clause. As Rossi pointed out, he would have no interest in doing that.

RANGERS GAUGING ZIBANEJAD’S TRADE VALUE

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited an NHL source claiming the New York Rangers are willing to entertain offers for Mika Zibanejad.

Reports emerged last week indicating the Rangers could also entertain offers for veterans like Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider. D’Amico’s source said Zibanejad is “out there for sure”, claiming the Rangers had discussions with a Western Conference team. “They discussed him but I’m not sure there’s a match there. I think it was more the Rangers continuing to gauge his value on the market.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It stands to reason that Zibanejad would’ve been on the Rangers list of veterans who could become trade candidates. His offensive difficulties this season have factored into the club’s recent struggles.

Zibanejad seems the least likely of that trio to be traded based on his contract alone. He’s signed through 2029-30 with a full no-movement clause and an $8.5 million annual average value. Trouba has a year left on his contract ($8 million AAV) and Kreider two years ($6.5 million AAV), with both players carrying 15-team no-trade clauses.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 4, 2024

by | Dec 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 4, 2024

Is a coaching change coming for the Rangers? Are the Avalanche done dealing? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports there is no credibility to a rumor that appeared on social media over the weekend linking the Rangers to former NHL coach Joel Quenneville. “There has been no contact between the parties and there will be no contact between the parties.”

Brooks adds the Rangers aren’t going to fire head coach Peter Laviolette. He claims they’re “committed” to Laviolette and won’t bum-rush him out of New York.

New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers may be committed to Laviolette now but that could change if they don’t snap out of their funk soon. Nevertheless, Brooks’ sources within the organization seem adamant that Quenneville won’t be his successor.

Brooks also spoke with Chris Kreider, who was one of two Rangers (Jacob Trouba being the other) mentioned in the infamous “memo” circulated around the league by general manager Chris Drury. The 33-year-old winger dismissed the notion that the trade rumors and outside noise have affected the club’s performance, saying he and his teammates put plenty of pressure on themselves to play better.

Kreider insisted he and his teammates must work through their current slump and come out better on the other side.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Few observers believe the Rangers can move Kreider or Trouba at this stage in the season, and certainly not for a return that immediately improves their roster.

Kreider may believe Drury’s “memo” hasn’t put extra pressure on the Rangers. As Brooks points out, it hasn’t sat well with the players.

COULD THE AVALANCHE HAVE MORE MOVES IN STORE?

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Colby Cohen believe the Colorado Avalanche might not be done dealing after shipping goaltender Justus Annunen to the Nashville Predators for backup Scott Wedgewood on Saturday.

Cohen pointed out that the Avalanche are a “win now” team. He thinks they could be in the market for a centerman and doubts they’ll continue with Ivan Ivan and Parker Kelly as their third and fourth-line centers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche won’t be the only club in the market for a center. The Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators have made no secret that they’re looking for one while the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks need help at that position. The Toronto Maple Leafs could end up in the market for a third-line center before the March 7 trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 3, 2024

by | Dec 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 3, 2024

Check out the latest on the Oilers, Panthers and Hurricanes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW WILL THE OILERS IMPROVE THEIR BLUELINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell cited Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman saying he’d like to add a defenseman later this season during a recent interview with Daniel Nugent-Bowman.

Mitchell suggested Henri Jokiharju of the Buffalo Sabres and J.J. Moser of the Tampa Bay Lightning as trade options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jokiharju might be available if the Sabres are out of playoff contention at the March 7 trade deadline. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July.

Moser isn’t going anywhere. He’s signed through next season with an average annual value of $3.375 million and currently skates alongside Victor Hedman on the Lightning’s top defense pairing.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: A reader asked Jim Matheson if there was anything to the speculation suggesting Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard could land with the Oilers by the trade deadline.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (NHL Images).

Matheson believes the Oilers would prefer Savard’s teammate Mike Matheson, provided the Canadiens retained part of his $4.875 million AAV because he’s a better puckmover.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson has surfaced in the rumor mill as the Canadiens are once again among the bottom feeders in the standings. Habs GM Kent Hughes will want a a first-round pick or a top prospect as part of a package deal, especially if the inquiring team wants him to retain part of Matheson’s salary.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jason Gregor noted that Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has frequently popped up in trade rumors. However, he’s torn on the big Finn because of his consistency with his decision-making. Gregor also mentioned Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames, but considers the odds of the Oilers landing him are “pretty much zero.”

UPDATES ON THE PANTHERS AND HURRICANES

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Florida Panthers have had internal discussions about tweaking their blueline between now and the March 7 trade deadline. “They don’t have much cap space, so they’ll have to be creative.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Puckpedia shows the Panthers with $1.69 million in current cap space but could have over $5.4 million by March 7. That should provide sufficient wiggle room for GM Bill Zito to get creative in the trade market.

LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes signing Dustin Tokarski on Monday doesn’t take them out of the goalie market. He believes they could act at any time if a goalie becomes available who slots ahead of Spencer Martin and Tokarski. They’ll also want to see how Frederik Andersen performs when he returns from his recent knee procedure.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There aren’t many options currently available which explains the signing of Tokarski. They’re fine with Pyotr Kochetkov as their starter but want to ensure they’ve got sufficient depth in case injuries strike again.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 2, 2024

by | Dec 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 2, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: a look at Penguins trade candidates and the Wild, Avalanche, Blue Jackets & Predators might not be done dealing.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently looked at trade candidates for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Rickard Rakell are considered “as good as gone.” The 28-year-old Pettersson is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July. Rakell is signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5 million.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson will likely be on the move before the March 7 trade deadline but Rakell isn’t a certainty to join him. The 31-year-old forward is a streak scorer and those extra years on his contract could be a sticking point.

Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk and forwards Anthony Beauvillier, Michael Bunting, Noel Acciari, and Kevin Hayes are among those Yohe considers available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of those players will end up with other clubs by deadline day. Acciari’s physical style and penalty killing could make him the most sought-after player in that group.

Yohe believes the Penguins would trade Erik Karlsson if his contract wasn’t so expensive. However, he thinks it’s a possibility that Kris Letang could end up with another club. He doesn’t think ending his career in Pittsburgh is as important to Letang as it is for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If there is any way to dump Karlsson it’ll happen in the offseason when teams have more cap space and a willingness to gamble. As for Letang, I’ll believe it when I see it.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted the Minnesota Wild acquiring David Jiricek from the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Colorado Avalanche shipping Justus Annunen to the Nashville Predators for Scott Wedgewood.

He believes those trades were just the start for the four clubs, suggesting more moves could be in store before the March 7 trade deadline.

The Avalanche, Predators and Wild are determined to be playoff contenders, so Proteau sees them adding talent. Meanwhile, the rebuilding Blue Jackets will attempt to bring in talent that helps them now and over the long term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Salary cap constraints will be a factor for some of those clubs. The Avalanche have $3.04 million in projected trade deadline cap space and the Wild just $1.14 million. It won’t be an issue for the Blue Jackets ($27.6 million in current cap space, over $90 million at the deadline) or Predators ($23.9 million).

The Wild supplanted the Winnipeg Jets atop the overall standings on Sunday. It’s rumored promising center Marco Rossi could be a trade chip in a player-for-player swap. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are within two points of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Their trade deadline plans could change if they’re in playoff contention by the deadline.

Predators general manager Barry Trotz could go from buyer to seller if his club fails to gain ground in the standings. The Avs remain all-in as playoff contenders but they have limited options to draw on for trade bait.