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Rangers captain Jacob Trouba shares his thoughts on the team's latest $15 million addition
New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba has shared his thoughts on the team's addition of Reilly Smith. The Rangers traded for Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins to help add some offense to the roster.
Smith, who is entering the last season of his three-year, $15 million deal, is projected to play on the top line, and Trouba is eager for the addition to the team. Trouba believes Smith can be a key player for the Rangers.
"He’s a great player. Playing against him for a long time, you know how good he can be. I obviously know Brendan. Everyone has crossed paths with one of the two at some point, it feels like. I met (Reilly) at the rink last week, a week and a half ago. He’s excited to be here. We’re excited to have him," Trouba said to The Athletic.
Along with Smith, the Rangers signed Sam Carrick to be a bottom-six forward, who Trouba is also excited to play with.
"Another good player. He made a pretty big impact toward the end of last year. Reached out to him, welcomed him in a little bit. I heard a lot of great things about him, so he’ll be good for our team as well," Trouba said.
Trouba has been the subject of trade rumors this summer but has remained a member of the Rangers team.
Jacob Trouba is still not over playoff exit
The Florida Panthers eliminated the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
It was a disappointing loss for the Rangers, and although months have gone by, Trouba says he is still not over the playoff exit.
"It’s always hard. I think after every year, it’s frustrating. Everyone has their thoughts, what they’d do differently. All that stuff goes through your mind. The longer you play, I think the harder that is. As hard as the year prior was — losing to Jersey — (when) you lose in the first round, it’s different than losing when you’re close to making the Final," Trouba said.
"It takes some time and then eventually you’ve got to find it in you to turn the page and use it as motivation to work toward next year... But it still stings. You still think about it. It’s not flipped, for sure," Trouba added.
Trouba has two years left on his deal, which pays him $8 million per season. The Rangers captain recorded three goals and 19 assists for 22 points in 69 games.
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