3 Landing Spots Named for UFA Jacob Trouba

When the New York Rangers decided it was time to move on from their captain, Jacob Trouba, midway through the 2024-25 season, it was the Anaheim Ducks' gain. Adding a veteran leader with a punishing physical presence to their blueline turned out to be the next step in the team launching itself out of its rebuild and into serious playoff contention.

But after a year and a half there, Trouba is now an unrestricted free agent. He's coming off an $8 million AAV over the past seven years, and he's looking for a new contract. Will the Ducks be ready to pony up for the 32-year-old?

If not, we take a look at three teams that Bleacher Report has linked to Trouba as potential landing spots this summer.

Boston Bruins

Despite Jeremy Swayman's heroics this season between the pipes, the Bruins' blueline was lacking. As noted by Adam Gretz, the Boston D finished fourth-worst in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes at 5-v-5. And fifth-worst in high-danger chances surrendered. "Whether Trouba is the type of defenseman they need is debatable, but he does seem like the kind they like to have: big, physical, and not afraid to hit people. That is the Bruins' DNA, especially on defense, and he would certainly fit in with it."

The 6'3", 212-pounder delivered 143 hits this season while blocking 149 shots.

Dallas Stars

With the Stars in need of another right-shot defenseman in their continued quest for a Stanley Cup run, Trouba could be an intriguing possibility. Trouba's quest for a Cup himself could see him wanting to line up with the likes of Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley. The one big obstacle there is the fact that the Stars need to free up cap space this offseason to re-sign their star RFA forward Jason Robertson. Signing Trouba to a big-money deal won't help their cause in that all-important task.

San Jose Sharks

Perhaps Trouba could just head up the coast to San Jose, where the Sharks are in desperate need of beefing up their blueline. They are looking for some veteran additions on D, and they have the money to spend cap-wise. With no less than four UFAs on the backline, the Sharks sorely need to fill out their defense around Dimitry Orlov.