New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba addressed rumors of potential trades during the offseason, stating that he holds no ill feelings towards the organization. Trouba spoke at the start of training camp for the Rangers, who were the reigning Presidents’ Trophy winners.
Reports indicated that Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury had worked on a trade deal in June that involved sending Trouba to Detroit. However, the trade fell through after Trouba submitted a list of 15 teams he would not accept a trade to on June 30, which included the Red Wings.
Trouba, who joined the Rangers in a trade with Winnipeg in 2019 and signed a seven-year, $56 million contract a month later, acknowledged the business side of hockey and the details of his contract negotiations. He mentioned that he anticipated the trade talks during that particular summer.
Despite the trade speculations and negotiations, Trouba assured that his relationship with Drury remains amicable. Drury had also conveyed positive sentiments towards Trouba in a pre-training camp media call, emphasizing their ongoing communication and mutual respect.
Looking ahead, Trouba acknowledged the competitive window for the Rangers’ current roster, recognizing that the upcoming 2024-25 season may be the last opportunity for the core group to make a significant impact. The team has consistently made playoff appearances in recent years and reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2022 and 2024.
Following their playoff defeat last season, both Trouba and Drury have expressed determination to pursue a Stanley Cup victory, acknowledging the shared goals and ambitions within the team.