NHL: New York Rangers at Calgary Flames - Source: Imagn — Former Rangers captain Jacob Trouba Makes his feelings known about trade to Ducks (image credit: IMAGN)

Former Rangers captain Jacob Trouba Makes his feelings known about trade to Ducks

Modified Dec 07, 2024 11:53 GMT

Former New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba opened up about his trade to the Anaheim Ducks on Friday. The news stunned fans and analysts across the league amid a whirlwind of speculation.

In a video posted by Sportsnet on X, Trouba expressed his feelings.

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“I was put in a position this summer to make a decision between my career and my family," Trouba said. "And, I chose my family. I would choose my family a hundred times over again.”

Trouba’s comments alluded to his family life playing a significant role in waiving his no-move clause and agreeing to the trade.

“I don’t feel bad," Trouba said. "I was happy about it. The only thing I didn’t like about it was made public necessarily. Or how everything unfolded so publicly and, I mean, it’s part of New York.”

Speculation regarding Trouba’s departure from New York began as soon as the Rangers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals last spring.

Trouba can begin a new chapter in California with the rebuilding Ducks and have a fresh start. He has struggled this season, registering just six assists in 24 games while going minus-3.

With his ice time drastically reduced on the bottom pairing, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the Rangers found a trade partner willing to take on Trouba’s $8 million cap hit.

New York made it hard for Jacob Trouba to play

Jacob Trouba made it clear that the situation in New York didn’t help his performance. The entire trade speculation scenario made it increasingly challenging to play up to his usual standards.

“It made it difficult to play with that hanging over everything,” Trouba said.

However, it seems Trouba is happy about the prospect of turning over a new leaf.

“The result is the result and I’m happy with moving forward,” Trouba said. “I think, in my opinion, things could have been handled better, not blaming anyone or anything. Just how it happened felt kind of unfortunate.”

Trouba has a unique opportunity to lead the young and talented Anaheim Ducks who are looking to emerge from the cellar of the Western Conference. They will aim to return to contention with the pieces in place.

With Trouba on board, the Ducks have a bona fide leader and veteran voice to help mold younger players into top-tier NHLers.