Trade Suitor for the $56 million star of the Rangers is the Maple Leafs.
Prior to his free agency, the New York Rangers have requested Jacob Trouba’s 15-team no-trade list, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are already connected to the defenseman. Following Chris Johnston’s “Trade Big Board” update on June 26, Arthur Staple of The Athletic reported on June 27 that the Rangers may move Trouba because his no-movement clause changes to a 15-team no-trade clause on July 1.
Trouba is listed No. 14 among players who can be traded by Johnston, who also mentioned that the Rangers may trade Trouba to balance their defense. Staple and Peter Baugh determined on June 27 that the Maple Leafs would be the best trading partner for Trouba.
“Teams are always drawn to big, right-shot defensemen like Trouba.” The Maple Leafs, who are in danger of going over the salary cap, may show interest if they are unable to sign Chris Tanev. On the right side, they require assistance,” they wrote.
Whether Trouba would forego his no-trade clause in exchange for Toronto is still up for debate. Trouba may put all seven Canadian teams on his no-trade list if he is reluctant to play for one of their teams.
Trouba may be reluctant to enter the Canadian market. He may have all seven Canadian clubs on his no-trade list. Winnipeg is definitely there, Staple and Baugh said.
Why Is Jacob Trouba Available for Trade?
Trouba, the captain of the Rangers, had a mixed 2023–24 season, tallying 3 goals and 19 assists for 22 points in 69 games during the regular season and 1 goal and 6 assists in 16 postseason contests. In the conference finals, the Florida Panthers eliminated the Rangers.
With two years remaining on his $56 million, seven-year contract, which includes a $8 million salary year, Trouba is under contract. On July 1st, his no-move clause turns into a 15-team no-trade list, giving him the power to veto moves to certain teams.
The Rangers may free up Trouba’s $8 million contract by trading him. He was acquired in June 2019 from the Winnipeg Jets, and in August 2022, he was chosen captain. Johnston called Trouba a physically strong player who would be a valuable addition to most teams, though the Rangers could consider him a luxury given their depth on the right side with Adam Fox and Braden Schneider.
Maple Leafs Want to Get Better at Defense
Trouba and the Leafs may be a good fit, and Toronto has stated that they want to bolster their defense this offseason. On June 19, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period stated that the Leafs are specifically pursuing bigger defensemen, citing Nikita Zadorov of the Vancouver Canucks and Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues.
The Maple Leafs are projected by PuckPedia to have $19.7 million in cap space coming into the offseason, although they only have four defenseman under contract at the moment. Only Timothy Liljegren is a restricted free agent among their pending free agents; the other six become unrestricted free agents.
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