The New York Rangers have been a mess for the better part of the 2024-25 season, struggling to meet the lofty expectations they had coming into the season.
It had become clear that changes needed to be made, and after leaking that they were prepared to move a core player two weeks ago, they finally did it on Friday.
But that was only one of the major, franchise-altering moves they made on the day.
Along with trading defenseman (and captain) Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, they also reportedly signed superstar goalie Igor Shesterkin to an eight-year, $92 million contract extension that will pay him $11.5 million per season.
Both moves were necessities.
Let’s start with Trouba.
Even though he was the Rangers’ captain, his play and contract ($8 million salary-cap hit through next season) had started to make him a liability for the team. While he is one of the NHL’s most feared open-ice hitters, his inability to move the puck and declining defensive zone play had become too much for the Rangers to overcome. He was not the only problem, but he was a major part of it.
The Rangers had attempted to move him during the offseason, but his no-trade clause had complicated things.
It finally reached a point on Friday where the Rangers were able to find a taker for him (Anaheim) and find a spot where Trouba could be moved.
