Insider Reports “Nearly Certain” Timeline for a Trouba Trade

While there were reports that New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba used his 15-team no-trade clause to block a trade earlier this offseason, the latest reports are, at this point, that it's much more likely than not that he will be back with the Blueshirts this coming season. As beat writer Arthur Staple tells Rangers fans in The Athletic, "don’t toss those No. 8 sweaters" just yet.

However, Staple also suggests that a trade IS a near certainty for this time next year:

If you want to talk next summer, then I’d say the chances of a Trouba trade go up from “nearly zero” to “nearly certain.”

Trouba would have a year left on his deal and be more attractive to potential trade partners. His wife, Dr. Kelly Trouba, would be done with her residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. Things look tidier next summer for the Rangers and for Trouba (to)... move on from the Rangers in a much more willing fashion.

The Rangers will have some serious cap space issues to deal with after next season, with new contracts needed for Igor Shesterkin, Alexis Lafrenière and K’Andre Miller, among other needs. Trouba's expiring $8 million cap hit at that time would come in very handy for New York, while other teams would be more inclined to take it on as well (likely with some retention).

Trouba finished his season with the Rangers this year in disappointing fashion, as he struggled in the playoffs, largely due to a broken ankle he suffered in March. Trouba described a “kidney bean-sized chunk” that came out of his ankle in that injury, and that obviously hampered him throughout the postseason run.