Could The Kings Be Suitors for Rangers' Jacob Trouba?

It has been over a week since the reports that Jacob Trouba was truly on the trade block. Some reports suggest that the Detroit Red Wings may be the front-runner for him. Since then, it seems things have cooled off as the Rangers continue to look for a trade partner.

Let's insert the Los Angeles Kings as a potential trade partner with the Rangers. After losing Matt Roy this off-season, there is now a big hole on the right side of their defense that Trouba could easily fill.

Trouba would slot behind Drew Doughty on the right side of the depth chart and likely ahead of Jordan Spence, who still needs to be signed.

With only two years remaining at $8 million, the Kings may ask the Rangers to retain a small portion of Trouba's contract to ensure the money works.

The package could be centred around Arthur Kaliyev, who wanted a trade and could be a player of interest for the Rangers.

Trade Breakdown:

Kings receive: Jacob Trouba ($3 million retained)

Rangers receive: Kaliyev, 2025 2nd Round Pick, and 2026 4th Round Pick

The breakdown of this trade is that the Kings would get Trouba for $3 million retained. This would bring his cap hit down to $6 million, making it more affordable for the Kings and giving the Rangers enough cap space to sign both Ryan Lindgren and Braden Schneider to new contracts.

The Rangers would receive Kaliyev, who would require a new contract. However, if they gave him a one-year deal as a "prove it" deal, it could be a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. 

They are also getting a second-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft as well as a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft as compensation for retaining $3 million of Trouba's salary.

Kings' GM Rob Blake will need to work some of his magic to get a deal across the finish line. But don't count the Kings out as serious players for Trouba.