Jacob Trouba, the New York Rangers’ defenseman and captain, has recently commented on the team’s new acquisition, Reilly Smith, a player acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins for $15 million. Smith is expected to join the Rangers’ top line, and Trouba is optimistic about the addition. He spoke highly of Smith, noting his skills from having played against him for years. Trouba recently met Smith at the rink and is excited about the new player’s enthusiasm for joining the team. According to Trouba, the team is looking forward to integrating Smith into their lineup.
In addition to Smith, the Rangers have also signed Sam Carrick as a bottom-six forward. Trouba expressed enthusiasm about Carrick’s potential impact, especially given Carrick’s notable performance towards the end of the previous season. Trouba has reached out to Carrick to welcome him to the team and is hopeful that Carrick will contribute positively to their success.
Despite his own name being mentioned in trade rumors over the summer, Trouba remains a Ranger. He reflected on the team’s recent playoff disappointment, specifically their elimination by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Trouba admitted that he is still grappling with the loss, noting that such setbacks are always challenging. He expressed that, while the sting of the defeat remains, he is determined to use it as motivation for the upcoming season.
Trouba, who has two years remaining on his contract at $8 million per year, had a season in which he scored three goals and added 19 assists for a total of 22 points in 69 games. Despite the frustration of the playoff exit, he is focused on moving forward and contributing to the Rangers’ success.
