LAS VEGAS — Before the NHL draft resumed Saturday morning, there was considerable chatter about the New York Rangers possibly moving hard-hitting defenseman Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings.
New York Post writer Larry Brooks, a well-sourced journalist, reported in the middle of the night that talks between the two teams are growing.
Trouba is a Michigan native, a former University of Michigan native. Earlier reporting by Brooks said Trouba has a complete no-movement clause that turns into a modified no-trade (15 teams he can block) on July 1. It’s presumed he would not block a move to Michigan.
It’s unknown whether the deal is close, or whether the Rangers are still talking to other teams.
The Red Wings have to be intrigued about the possibility of adding Trouba (191 hits) to a team that already has hitters Moritz Seider (211) and Ben Chiarot (163). The expectation is 6-foot-6 Simon Edvinsson will continue to become more physical as he grows more comfortable playing in the NHL.
Prone to Bad Penalties
Trouba is the Rangers’ captain. He is available because he has a penchant for bad penalties, and taking himself out of position at inopportune times. That happened more than once in the most recent playoffs. Some of his hits put him on the line between minor penalty and suspension.
The Rangers also can use his $8 million salary elsewhere. For example, they need to re-sign consistent defenseman Ryan Lindgren.
Speculation has the Rangers willing to retain some his salary on a contract that runs two more seasons. That dollar amount will be very important for the Red Wings to make this deal. They need every dollar this summer to iron out new deals for Seider, Lucas Raymond, plus their own free agents like Shayne Gostisbehere.
Plus, it’s hard to imagine Yzerman giving up any of his top prospects or next season’s first round pick. But Yzerman is historically full of surprises.
