ANAHEIM ADDS TROUBA
The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba from the New York Rangers for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a fourth-round draft pick in 2025.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
In Trouba, the Ducks add a physical veteran defender to their blueline. The 30-year-old is not the two-way threat he once was but should bring some edge and stability to Anaheim's struggling defense. Signed through the 2025-26 season, Trouba will try to help the Ducks stay in the playoff picture this season, and also fill a leadership role next year too. Will he be a fit?
What does it give the New York Rangers
The Rangers had been shopping Trouba, their captain, for a while. Given his cap hit ($8 million), they surprisingly got a deal done without surrendering any other assets (or retaining any salary). The return is light but the Rangers were able to bring in a new depth defenseman in Vaakanainen. And the 2025 draft pick added from Anaheim only makes this trade look better.
Fantasy impact
Trouba's fantasy value could get a boost from this trade. His scoring has been on the decline, but the Ducks might give him another look in a more offensive role. Either way, he will remain a good source of hits, blocks and penalty minutes. As for Vaakanainen, he has yet to earn an everyday NHL job and is currently injured. He is not on the fantasy radar.
