Breaking News: Rangers Pursue Star Forward in a Monumental Blockbuster Deal Involving Team Captain
The New York Rangers are in their Stanley Cup window, and one trade suggestion involves acquiring a star forward in exchange for their captain. Using the PuckPedia PuckGM tool, a user proposed a trade where the Rangers would acquire Frank Vatrano from the Anaheim Ducks.
Rangers would receive:
– Frank Vatrano
Ducks would receive:
– Jacob Trouba
– 2025 first-round pick
– 2026 sixth-round pick
This trade would be significant for the Rangers, bringing back Vatrano to strengthen their forward lineup. On the other hand, Anaheim would gain two draft picks and Trouba, who could be flipped for more assets at the trade deadline. Vatrano, who played 22 regular season games and 20 playoff games for the Rangers in the 2021-22 season, could add offensive depth in the middle of their lineup. The 30-year-old winger signed with Anaheim in free agency in the summer of 2022 and has tallied 160 goals and 111 assists in 564 NHL games.
Jacob Trouba, the Rangers’ captain, has been involved in trade rumors, especially as he enters the final year of his contract. The defenseman played 69 games last season with New York, recording 22 points, and could provide a boost to Anaheim’s blue line before becoming a trade asset.
Rangers GM Chris Drury recently addressed the offseason trade rumors surrounding Trouba, emphasizing the close communication between them. Drury affirmed there were no hard feelings, even after Trouba reportedly blocked a trade to the Detroit Red Wings using his no-trade clause. Drury praised Trouba’s leadership, stating he had a strong offseason and is ready for training camp.
Meanwhile, Vatrano enters the final year of his contract with the Ducks and is expected to attract trade interest, especially if Anaheim falls out of playoff contention. Although his name surfaced in trade talks, Vatrano expressed a desire to stay in Anaheim, believing the team has a bright future.
Vatrano is currently projected to play on a line with Robby Fabbri and Ryan Strome.
