Jacob Trouba Wants To Be Part Of Ducks Future And Has No Anger Toward Rangers

Jacob Trouba is set to face the New York Rangers for the first time since being traded to the Anaheim Ducks in December. 

Trouba’s tenure with the Rangers was filled with positive memories as he helped propel the team out of their rebuild and transform into Stanley Cup contenders while being named the  Blueshirts’ 28th captain in 2022. 

However, his time in New York ended in disaster and turmoil. It started when the Rangers’ desire to trade Trouba went public, creating a media storm this past summer.

Trouba had a no-trade clause and opted not to waive it, which led to an awkward situation with the captain entering camp with tensions clearly not resolved. 

As the Rangers began to struggle this season, Drury sent out a league-wide memo indicating that he was open for business while specifically mentioning Trouba’s name as a possible player he would be willing to trade.

Things quickly escalated and Trouba was shipped off to Anaheim after the Rangers threatened to place him on waivers if he did not waive his no-trade clause.

Months after being traded, the 31-year-old defenseman is in a good place and while he looks back on his time with the Rangers fondly, he’s moved on. 

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Trouba said, via Eric Stephens of The Athletic. “I loved my time there. I’m not going to bad-mouth them or anything like that. But I’m happy to be here. This is a great place to live. A great place to have a family. And I want to be part of the future.”

Trouba can live a more low-key life in Anaheim. Being captain of the Rangers is an important responsibility and comes with a lot of attention. 

There’s an aspect of privacy and peace that Trouba gets by playing in a smaller market, something he’s appreciated. 

“There’s definitely a bit of – it’s not really relief, because I loved the kind of madness of New York a little bit – but it’s definitely a different vibe,” Trouba said. “I’m not reading about myself every day in the newspaper, reading about my family. So that’s nice. 

“Yeah, obviously just very different situations but I’ve enjoyed coming here and kind of – relaxing isn’t the right word, but kind of having the time to take a breath and enjoy where I’m at. Kind of have a little bit more of an appreciation of where we want to go.”

In 46 games with the Ducks, Trouba has recorded one goal, seven assists and eight points while averaging 20:55 minutes. 

You could tell early on in the season how much contempt Trouba had for the Rangers and the New York media as a whole.

Now, a more level-headed Trouba seems to have processed the situation and is at peace. 

“It is what it is. It’s a business,” said Trouba. “No one feels bad for me. I don’t feel bad for myself. Life’s not always fair. Look at it however you want it. I’m lucky to be here. I feel like I’m happy to be here. This is, like I said, a place I wanted to go. I don’t feel bad about how it went down. Made the right decision in my mind for my family and that was my prerogative.”