NHL Rumors: Insider suggests potentially easier Jacob Trouba move after shaky start to Rangers' free agency

Hockey Insider Vincent Z. Mercogliano has proposed a potentially 'easier' resolution to the Jacob Trouba situation following a shaky start for the New York Rangers in the 2024 NHL free agency.

The Blueshirts have had a rather lackluster offseason. While they managed to offload Barclay Goodrow's contract and acquire some scoring depth with Reilly Smith, they still need to address their defensive shortcomings adequately.

The ongoing Jacob Trouba situation further complicates matters, as the club aims to trade him to free up salary cap space and improve their defense. However, Trouba's reluctance to leave and his 15-team no-trade protections pose challenges.

To compete for the Stanley Cup. The Rangers need significant upgrades, particularly in defense, to reduce their reliance on goaltending and power play success.

The Blueshirts face significant financial decisions, with key players like Alexis Lafreniere, K'Andre Miller, and Igor Shesterkin approaching contract negotiations. Vincent Z. Mercogliano has suggested that managing Jacob Trouba's hefty $8 million cap hit could pose challenges to maintaining cap flexibility for these impending deals.

The USA Today Sports insider suggests trading the 30-year-old Blueshirts captain following the next season, with only one year remaining on his seven-year, $56 million contract, could present a more easier option.

Additionally, Mercogliano has also suggested the potential of a buyout scenario, offering savings of $4 million for the 2025–26 season and a capped impact of $2 million in 2026–27, providing an alternate strategy for the Rangers to navigate their salary cap concerns moving forward.

Also Read: NHL rumors: Jacob Trouba's wife Kelly's profession one of the major reasons holding back inevitable trade from Rangers

Jacob Trouba linked with a move to Buffalo Sabres

In the latest buzz surrounding Toruba's potential trade, it seems the Detroit Red Wings' hopes of acquiring the veteran defenseman have hit a roadblock.

The latest reports suggest that Trouba, utilizing his 15-team no-trade list, vetoed a move to the Motor City. Recent rumors now point toward a more promising scenario involving the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers making strides in a potential trade deal for Trouba. NHL insider Roger Hicks posted the following on his X(formerly Twitter) account:

"#Sabres and #NYR have had solid progress in a potential trade involving Jacob Trouba. He apparently has a lot more interest and flexibility in moving to Buffalo than to #LGRW. #NHL"