The Anaheim Ducks have acquired New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba in a trade for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a future fourth-round pick, according to a source with knowledge of the decision. Trouba, 30, has spent five years with the Rangers and has been considered one of the best checking defensemen in the NHL. While he has struggled to produce at the level of his best seasons this year, he brings experience and leadership to the Ducks.
Trouba has been the subject of trade rumors since the summer, as the Rangers have been looking to make changes to their roster. He has a no-trade clause in his contract, but will now join the Ducks as they look to improve their performance in the Pacific Division.
Vaakanainen, who has been dealing with an upper-body injury and hasn’t played for the Ducks since mid-November, scored one goal in 68 games last season but has struggled with injuries throughout his career.
The Ducks, who have one of the NHL’s lowest payrolls, were able to take on the remaining 1½ years of Trouba’s contract due to their ample salary-cap space. Trouba will play alongside former teammates Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano, with whom he reached the Eastern Conference finals with the Rangers in 2022.
With Trouba joining the team, the Ducks hope to bolster their defense and turn around their performance in the division as they work towards a playoff spot.
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