Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Larry Brooks Comments On Rangers’ Decision to Trade Jacob Trouba

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 11, 2024 6:30 AM ET

The New York Rangers finally found a taker for former team captain Jacob Trouba and completed a trade with the Anaheim Ducks sending the defenseman to the West Coast.

Longtime NHL analyst Larry Brooks of the New York Post is firmly in favor of the move, as he told the hosts of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast on Tuesday's episode.

Brooks offered an honest assessment of Trouba’s waning leadership and production of late, which he believes justified the Rangers decision.

“[The Rangers] weren't playing well. He wasn't hitting, he was no force on the ice, I think he was detached as a leader," Brooks said. "You can’t have a lamed-up captain, you just can't

”It just does not work. And it did not work for them.”

Trouba had been the Rangers’ captain since the 2022–23 season after New York acquired him from the Winnipeg Jets in 2019.

Although the Rangers couldn't get a lot in return from the Ducks, they were able to acquire a couple of assets from Anehim in defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

On top of that, Rangers general manager Chris Drury did a commendable job avoiding any salary retention in the trade and clearing the full $8 million cap hit attached to Trouba's contract.

”Apparently, he was detached. He knew they wanted to get rid of him," Brooks said. "Maybe he should have relinquished the captaincy. Maybe he should have walked in. There should have been better communication.”

While Trouba expressed bittersweet feelings about leaving New York, he’s optimistic about his future with Anaheim and the Ducks' outlook.

“Anaheim was one of the places my wife and I were interested in,” Trouba told NHL.com. “Where the team’s at, I think they have a great opportunity in the next couple years.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: