In this installment of Rangers News & Rumors, we delve into the likelihood of a forthcoming Jacob Trouba trade, the New York Rangers’ selection of EJ Emery at 30th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, and the potential for a reunion with Patrick Kane.
Trade with Trouba Is Upcoming
There has been significant talk about the Rangers aiming to part ways with their captain following their playoff elimination. With an $8 million cap hit for the next two years, it might be challenging to find a team willing to absorb the entire contract.
Trouba is unquestionably an impactful player to observe, for better or for worse. He resembles a modern-day Scott Stevens in terms of delivering contentious hits, yet he has managed to walk the line without facing suspension most of the time. While his performance in the playoffs wasn’t exceptional and he was frequently exposed by the opposing team, Trouba still brings a lot to the table with his play.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post has indicated that a potential trade involving the Rangers and the Detroit Red Wings is gaining traction, with Trouba at the center of the discussions.
Yes, a reliable source has informed The Post that GM Chris Drury is in the process of finalizing a trade to transfer the captain to the Red Wings, a move that the Michigan native would likely agree to, considering his prior experience as a freshman player for the Wolverines in 2012-13.
Larry Brooks, New York Post
According to Brooks, it is anticipated that the Rangers will keep $2.5 million, lowering his cap hit to $5.5 million over the following two seasons.
If the Red Wings are indeed part of this deal and it goes through, having Trouba at that cost for two seasons would greatly benefit the development of their defensive lineup. While Moritz Seider has already shown promise, having a player like Trouba alongside him would be immensely helpful, and it would also provide Axel Sandin-Pellika with two years to grow into a larger role. This arrangement seems logical.
Parting ways with a captain is never easy, and after only two years wearing the “C,” Trouba’s time in New York is evidently heading towards a conclusion.
If the Red Wings are indeed part of this trade and it is completed, having Trouba at that cost for two seasons would greatly benefit the development of their defensive lineup. While Moritz Seider has already shown promise, having a player like Trouba alongside him would be immensely helpful, and it would also provide Axel Sandin-Pellika with two years to grow into a larger role. It makes sense.
It’s always challenging to transition away from a captain, and after just two years with the “C” on his jersey, Trouba’s time in New York is certainly moving towards its conclusion.
The Rangers choose EJ Emery
Currently, the latest addition to the Rangers is EJ Emery. As a 6-foot-3 defenseman known for his strong shut-down abilities, he’s an ideal fit for a team like the Rangers, who are in a competitive phase. In about three to four seasons, when Emery has honed his skills and is ready for the NHL, the team will likely have aging defensemen he can potentially replace with an affordable contract.
Emery’s game doesn’t revolve around offense, which is acceptable. Despite playing 27 games in the USHL this season and only notching six points, all through assists, he excels when it comes to defense. His defensive intelligence, skating, physicality, and adeptness at initiating offensive plays with strong breakout passes are his standout qualities, even though these may not be reflected in his point tally. Furthermore, Emery is considered one of the most skilled athletes in the draft, ranking first in multiple NHL Combine tests.
Adding a player like Emery to the prospect pool brings much excitement, although he will require significant development time. Patience is crucial for his journey to the NHL, but when he reaches that level, the wait will undoubtedly be worthwhile.
Patrick Kane: Rangers reunion?
In a recent New York Post article by Brooks, it is implied that the Rangers are considering pursuing a reunion with Patrick Kane as free agency approaches. Although Kane’s initial tenure with the Rangers was short-lived, there were aspects of his performance that were highly favorable.
As the Rangers seek to acquire a winger in free agency, they have options such as Tyler Toffoli, Jake Guentzel, and others. Kane might consider returning to the Rangers if the financial terms align. The team is a year away from significant contract updates for Igor Shesterkin, Alexis Lafreniere, and K’Andre Miller, all of whom are eligible to sign contract extensions starting July 1.
Re-signing Kane would necessitate a deal well below the market value or possibly only a one-year agreement. Even on a one-year contract, any potential bonus overages that could lower the cap hit might pose long-term financial challenges for the team.
While a reunion with Kane would be an enticing prospect, the Rangers must exercise caution in evaluating the potential impact of signing Kane on their future financial flexibility.
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