During the summer, the rumor mill was swirling with the name of the New York Rangers captain. However, Jacob Trouba has not been put off by rumors of a new home for him and his wife and has offensively started the season. Currently having four assists through the first three games, there is a significant positive here with a contract that many, including myself, have been critical of. If the captain can continue this and justify that deal, this is a very different situation.
New York has been desperate for cap space for a while. With big names like Alexis Lafreniere and Igor Shesterkin needing new contracts for next season, the Rangers captain and his $8 million cap hit have been linked with an exit. Based on the previous few seasons, there is no denying that Trouba makes too much for how he plays. Poor performances in critical moments have sunk the roster.
A narrative like this changes quickly with sustained offense. Scoring fixes all issues in hockey, regardless of whether it should or not. That narrative will fade quickly if Jacob Trouba can hold this scoring rate through all 82 games. He'll become seen as a significant asset, and then the attention will shift off him to other underperforming major money-makers. There's always an excellent demand for scoring defensemen, especially those who shoot right-handed. Doing that with his physical game would make him the player deserving of his contract.
Now, it's only three games. There are another 79 to go before the playoffs. It's very difficult to play at a point-per-game rate for that sort of timeframe. Trouba's defensive issues reared their head in the home opener against Utah, but that can be worked on. Braden Schneider is his new partner, having spent the last few seasons with K'Andre Miller. Growing pains with Schneider early are fine as long as they get better. Trouba is giving Ranger fans a reason to be optimistic right now.
Another thing to keep in mind with Trouba is the big hits. We all remember the hit he tried to throw on Martin Necas in the playoffs last year, where the elbow came up. He needs to ensure he's clean when he goes for those hits. Keep the elbow tucked, don't hit the head, don't charge, and drive the body. Playing well, Trouba is someone the Rangers will want in the postseason. If he's not playing well, there are six great defensemen that can get the job done without him.