The Toronto Maple Leafs have emerged as a potential trade destination for Jacob Trouba of the New York Rangers. The Rangers asked Trouba to submit his 15-team no-trade list ahead of free agency, as reported by Arthur Staple of The Athletic on June 27, following Chris Johnston’s “Trade Big Board” update on June 26.
Johnston highlighted that with Trouba’s no-movement clause converting to a 15-team no-trade clause on July 1, and the Rangers possibly looking to move a defenseman, Trouba might be a candidate for a trade. Johnston ranked Trouba as the 14th best-available-for-trade player.
On June 27, Staple and Peter Baugh identified the Maple Leafs as a strong trade fit for Trouba. They noted that big, right-shot defensemen like Trouba are always in demand. Despite the Leafs’ tight salary cap situation, they might show interest, especially if they fail to acquire Chris Tanev, as they have a need on the right side.
There is uncertainty, however, about whether Trouba would accept a trade to Toronto, given that he might not want to play for a Canadian team. Staple and Baugh speculated that all Canadian clubs, including Winnipeg, could be on Trouba’s no-trade list.
Trouba, the Rangers’ captain, had a mixed 2023-24 season, scoring 3 goals and 19 assists in 69 regular-season games, and adding 1 goal and 6 assists in 16 postseason games. The Rangers were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in the conference finals. Trouba has two years left on his seven-year, $56 million contract, with an $8 million annual salary. Trading Trouba would clear significant cap space for the Rangers.
Johnston described Trouba as a strong, physical defender known for his punishing bodychecks. Despite a challenging playoff performance, Trouba would be an upgrade for many teams. With the Rangers having other right-shot defensemen like Adam Fox and Braden Schneider, Trouba could be considered a luxury.
For the Maple Leafs, adding Trouba aligns with their offseason goal to bolster their defense with size. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on June 19 that the Leafs are targeting players like Nikita Zadorov and Colton Parayko. The Leafs have $19.7 million in projected cap space but only four defensemen under contract, with several pending free agents, including Timothy Liljegren, who will be a restricted free agent.
