The New York Rangers kick off their season on Wednesday night with an away game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fans will be particularly focused on team captain Jacob Trouba in this opener and throughout the season, as the experienced defenseman faces a pivotal year following a tumultuous offseason.
The Rangers need Jacob Trouba to elevate his game this season. In the 2023-24 season, Trouba recorded 22 points and had a -4 rating over 69 games. His performance drew significant criticism during the postseason, where he played through an ankle injury and was seen as responsible for several goals conceded by the Rangers.
Compounding the situation, general manager Chris Drury made attempts to trade Trouba during the summer. Although it’s reported that the issues between them have been resolved, the Rangers’ efforts to move their captain underscore their dissatisfaction with his performance and emphasize the need for improvement.
Trouba must meet the expectations set by his contract. He is currently in the midst of a seven-year, $56 million deal he signed with the Rangers in 2019, which has two years remaining. Despite the Rangers’ attempts to part ways with him this offseason, they were unsuccessful, largely due to his high-paying contract. With an $8 million cap hit, Trouba ranks among the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL, yet his poor play has relegated him to the Rangers’ third defensive pairing.
This is a crucial season for the Blueshirts as they aim for immediate success. They require their star players to meet both the hype and the terms of their contracts. Trouba’s deal has faced heavy scrutiny, as he has often been labeled as “overpaid” during his time with the team. However, a strong performance in the 2024-25 season could help him regain the support of the fanbase.
