The New York Rangers have been a large number for the higher a part of the 2024-25 season, struggling to satisfy the lofty expectations they’d coming into the season.
It had develop into clear that modifications wanted to be made, and after leaking that they had been ready to maneuver a core participant two weeks in the past, they lastly did it on Friday.
However that was solely one of many main, franchise-altering strikes they made on the day.
Together with trading defenseman (and captain) Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Geese, in addition they reportedly signed famous person goalie Igor Shesterkin to an eight-year, $92 million contract extension that may pay him $11.5 million per season.
Each strikes had been requirements.
Let’s begin with Trouba.
Although he was the Rangers’ captain, his play and contract ($8 million salary-cap hit by subsequent season) had began to make him a legal responsibility for the staff. Whereas he is among the NHL’s most feared open-ice hitters, his incapacity to maneuver the puck and declining defensive zone play had develop into an excessive amount of for the Rangers to beat. He was not the one downside, however he was a significant a part of it.
The Rangers had tried to maneuver him in the course of the offseason, however his no-trade clause had sophisticated issues.
It lastly reached a degree on Friday the place the Rangers had been capable of finding a taker for him (Anaheim) and discover a spot the place Trouba may very well be moved.
