Buffalo Sabres
This is one of the most logical trade partners. Sending Trouba upstate to the Buffalo Sabres seems to make a world of sense. He offers leadership and playoff experience to an organization trying to return to the postseason for the first time in 13 years. Even at a steep cap hit, Trouba's physicality and leadership for a young group could be stomachable in Northern New York.
Sabres fans will hate the suggestion, but he also fills a need at RD. With great defensemen like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power on the left, they've been looking for good right-handed defensemen to partner with that dynamic duo. While Trouba isn't a permanent solution, he's definitely someone who would offer physical protection for his defensive partner. There are a lot of reasons to think this idea could sway Kevyn Adams.
The benefit for the Sabres is that they have the cap space to do this. With over $8 million in pre-season cap space, they're looking at around $32 million free to spend at the deadline if they want to. Combine that with the extra cap growth coming next season, the pro-rated cap hit Trouba will have, and the Sabres need at RD, it makes sense to a degree. Is it a reach? Sure, but it was always going to be.
It also makes sense for Trouba. He doesn't want to leave New York while his wife is doing her residency in the city. While Buffalo is a long way away, it's not so far that it couldn't be something that worked for his family. If the Trouba family was sold on this, there's a lot to look at, thinking there may be a few trade possibilities for the Rangers.