The New York Rangers are reportedly considering to trade Jacob Trouba. He is the name that consistently shows up in trade rumors, and despite their solid start to the season, a change could be in order. Trouba is not unfamiliar with trade talks, as he was a potential trade candidate last summer, too.
It is that familiarity that's helping him deal with it now, too. Trouba said he hasn't talked to general manager Chris Drury since the reports first broke. He also said he doesn't feel he needs to.
"Part of the game. I learned that this summer, just have to block those things out," the veteran NHL star said.
Trouba, currently the team's captain, said after an optional practice via the New York Post:
“It doesn’t really matter. I’m happy to be here. I’m focused on playing hockey. Can’t really control that, I think I learned that throughout the summer. You’ve gotta kind of block all that out and focus on playing hockey with this group here and being the best we can be.”
The Rangers might be off to a 12-7-1 start, but every player, even the 30-year-old captain, is reportedly under the possibility of being traded.
Rangers coach wants Jacob Trouba, other veterans to work it out
New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette isn't in favor of tearing it down yet despite a recent slide that includes three consecutive losses to the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues.
Via the New York Post, the coach said:
“To me, I think you have to give players the opportunity to respond. You address situations that come up, you address things that need attention and then you gotta give them a chance to respond and a chance to work their way out of it. No team will go through the year and be happy with the 82 games that they play.”
The Rangers will get a chance to rebound today against the red-hot Carolina Hurricanes (15-5-1).