A Game Changing Acquisition:

Jacob Trouba to the Rangers

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

6/20/2019

       The New York Rangers going into this NHL offseason were thought to be rebuilding. Though the move they made this past Monday got them a piece that can become apart of their rebuild, as well as help them immediately on the ice next season. New York made a trade with the Winnipeg Jets to acquire defenseman Jacob Trouba. In return Winnipeg received 23-year-old defenseman Neal Pionk and the 20th overall pick in Friday’s NHL Entry Draft. Both teams got quality pieces in the deal, but the Rangers got a definite Stallworth for their blueline. This article will look to elaborate on the skillset of the Rangers new defenseman. While depicting some of the key roles he will play within the Rangers lineup going forward.

            Trouba, at 25-years-old, has all the tools to be a top pairing defenseman for the Rangers. At 6’3” 202 lbs, Trouba has good size allowing him to be a physical presence on the ice. His measurables also allow him to log 20 to 25 minutes a night as a workhorse on the back end. He is a very fluid skater, giving him the mobility to lead rushes offensively and cover a lot of ground and recover defensively. He makes a quality first pass creating easy breakouts for his team to move up the ice and keep play out of his own end. He also displayed durability this past season playing in all 82 games for the first time in his career. Surpassing the 81 he played back in the 2015-2016 season. Trouba’s physical tools make him a huge difference maker on the ice and a special player for the Rangers to utilize.

            In terms of his production he is coming off a strong year for the Jets. He accumulated 8 goals and 42 assists equaling up to 50 points, along with being a plus player at +8. His 50 points were 20 more than the Rangers highest scoring defenseman Tony DeAngelo with 30. As well as 24 more points than the defenseman the Rangers traded in Neal Pionk who had 26. He provides a major offensive upgrade to a blue line clearly in need of a production boost. He played on average 22:53 of time on the ice for Winnipeg last year and played in all situations. His versatility makes him a major asset for a Rangers team who needs improvement on special teams especially. Trouba will provide a quarterback on a Ranger power play that finished at 19.4% last year. He gives them a good passer at the top of their power play setup, along with a hard slap shot/wrist shot combo they can put to good use. He is a quality penalty killer and will aid the Rangers PK which finished 5th worst in the NHL at 78.2%. This is due to his solid defensive instincts and active stick which helps disrupts plays in the defensive zone. Trouba with more opportunities will continue to see his numbers remain strong and on the upswing. While the Rangers statistically will see an improvement in several categories.  

Trouba is a piece that will help improve many statistical areas across the board. Trouba will slot in easily into their top 4 if not their top 2 pairing on defense. He can come in and play on the main power play and penalty kill as a figure head on both units. As well as, serve as a veteran presence in their locker room because of his playoff experience, even at just 25-years-old. He will need to stay healthy as he has missed 84 games over his six seasons. Though last year looks as if he has begun to put those injury issues behind him. This move personally for Trouba works as well. With his wife looking to become a doctor and their being more opportunities in New York than Manitoba to pursue this goal. The trade helped on multiple fronts for Trouba and his family. Trouba of all the Rangers acquisitions will have the most immediate impact of any of the players they have acquired. The Rangers with the addition of Trouba continue to pick up quality young assets that will build a strong foundation to a bright future. His skills and savvy will make him a key cog in the success the Rangers want to have next year. The Rangers still need to extend Trouba now having acquired from Winnipeg, with him being a restricted free agent. This deal I believe certainly is well in the works, and whatever he gets from New York he will be worth every penny.