The New York Rangers continued their off-season rebuild with the acquisition of prized defenseman Jacob Trouba from the Winnipeg Jets. Going to Winnipeg is the 20th overall pick – a pick acquired by the Rangers from Winnipeg last season in the deal that sent Kevin Hayes northward – plus defenseman Neal Pionk.
In many eyes, this deal appears to be a bit of a steal, especially given the perception tha thteir were many other teams in play for the chance to sign the 25 year old first-pair defenseman to a long-term contract.
Speaking of salary, it would not surprise to see a seven year deal on the table from the Rangers, with totals in the $6-7M range, a significant raise from the average $3M per year that he earned on his previous two year contract.
With the trade, New York now has a legitimate right handed candidate for the right side, and furhter puts pressure on Kevin Shattenkirk and Brendan Smith, both of whom remain on the roster following little reported interest around the league. With Tony Deangelo improving last year, and the incoming Adam Fox, the Rangers now have a number of different options going into the season.
Winnipeg weren’t ready to pay up to keep Trouba, a situation that drove the trade, but fans in Winnipeg might feel a little underwhelmed with the return. Neal Pionk proved adept on offense in his first full season, but really struggled to contain opponents defensively, spending plenty of time on the bench or used as a seventh defensemnan at times.
And the first round pick…well that of course is Winnipeg’s own.
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