Nearly four months after parting ways with Jacob Trouba, the New York Rangers will face their former captain for the first time when they take on the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Friday.
While Trouba’s reunion is a notable storyline, the Rangers have more pressing concerns. With just one point separating them from the Montreal Canadiens for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, every game carries immense significance.
The Rangers, currently holding a 34-32-6 record, have struggled in recent outings, dropping four of their last five games. However, due to the inconsistency of their competition in the playoff race, they haven’t lost much ground. The battle for postseason qualification remains wide open, making Friday’s matchup particularly crucial.
Despite the urgency of securing two points, seeing Trouba on the opposite side remains a significant moment. The trade that sent him to Anaheim was a major move by Rangers general manager Chris Drury. While Drury’s approach to parting ways with Trouba may have been criticized, he succeeded in shedding the defenseman’s $8 million annual cap hit while acquiring Urho Vaakanainen, a solid return for the team’s blue line. The decision, though necessary, wasn’t without consequences.
Trouba had built strong relationships within the locker room and was highly regarded as both a leader and a player. Although his contract was considered excessive and his performance had declined, his presence in the room was irreplaceable. Many of his teammates deeply respected him, and his departure left a void in the team’s leadership structure.
Former Rangers captain and current broadcaster Dave Maloney reinforced this sentiment when he spoke on the RINK RAP podcast. He stated that there was no doubt Trouba was the emotional and spiritual leader of the team, highlighting his immense impact on the players.
As the game approaches, fans will wonder how Trouba will handle playing against his former teammates. Will he deliver one of his trademark bone-crushing open-ice hits, perhaps on Artemi Panarin or Adam Fox? Could he engage in a physical battle with Alexis Lafrenière or Will Cuylle throughout the night?
While Trouba will undoubtedly play his usual aggressive style, it’s uncertain whether he’ll go out of his way to make a statement with a massive hit. If the person wearing the Rangers’ road sweater were Drury himself, Trouba might have more motivation to make his presence felt. However, with the general manager watching from the stands, the defenseman will focus on doing his job for Anaheim.
The game will feel unusual for both the Rangers and Trouba, given their shared history and lingering connections. But once the puck drops, the focus for New York must be singular—securing two crucial points in the playoff race.