(Michael Mooney/NHLI via Getty Images)
Not too long ago at the 2024 NHL Draft, the Dallas Stars made a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Stars traded the rights to unrestricted free agent defenseman Chris Tanev in exchange for RW Max Ellis and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
This does not mean Tanev has signed with the Maple Leafs. It just means the Maple Leafs have his negotioating rights. But, with the Stars significant Stars defensemen due for contracts, buying out Ryan Suter, and now Tanev’s rights in Toronto, one defenseman could be on Dallas’ minds this Summer. That defenseman is New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba.
On June 27, reports came out that the Rangers asked Trouba for 15 teams to not be traded to. Dallas can be a team with interest to join due to the fact Dallas has been in two consecutive Western Conference Finals, and look to improve its defense.
Trouba is one of the best defensive defensemen in the NHL, and would bring a tough physicality to Dallas. The 30-year-old recorded 22 points (3G, 19A) last season in 69 games. But, Trouba had 183 blocked shots and 191 hits.
Among Stars defensemen, Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist each had their restricted contracts run out this season. Jani Hakanpää and Derrick Pouliot are unrestricted free agents. Esa Lindell has one year left on his contract; Miro Heiskanen has five years left.
Dallas has over $19 million in cap space with New York having over $12 million. Trouba has an AAV of $8 million for two more seasons. The Rangers have crucial free agents over the next two seasons.
After 2025, the contracts of Alexis Lafrenière, Kaapo Kaako, Matt Rempe, Jimmy Vesey, K’Andre Miller, Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick run out. After 2026, Artemi Panarin’s contract runs out. With key free agents, it might be possible the Rangers would rather offer some of those players worthy contracts over Trouba.
Unfortunately for Trouba, he’s viewed as one of, if not, the dirtiest player in the NHL for some of his hits. Trouba was also criticized heavily during the 2024 Playoffs with his inability to some to lead the Rangers to the Cup.
Some might say Trouba isn’t a dirty player, and that his game is aggressive, tough, and hard hitting. Maybe trying to replicate old school players who like like Scott Stevens, Derian Hatcher, Chris Pronger and more.
If Tanev isn’t coming back to Dallas, Trouba might have to be another option for the Stars. The team needs a veteran defenseman who is able to hit and play tough defense. The team needs it with losing three consecutive games to lose the Western Conference Final against the Oilers. Trouba would be a player help them bring physicality and toughness.
Leave a Reply