Rangers debate: Jacob Trouba on 2nd or 3rd defense pairing?
The New York Rangers sparked controversy this off season when it came to the handling of defenseman Jacob Trouba. After a down year, general manager Chris Drury looked to trade his captain to free up salary cap space, but a deal never took place. There was a lot of speculation as to why the supposed trade did not happen, leaving a sour taste for Trouba, who continues his Rangers tenure knowing he was almost shipped out.
Since Trouba is going to remain with the Rangers, at least for now, coach Peter Laviolette has a decision to make. Does he keep Trouba in his usual spot on the second defense pairing alongside K’Andre Miller? Or does he put the 30-year-old on the third pair, where he will have less responsibility, and can mentor young defenseman Zac Jones?
The regression in Trouba’s game was noticeable last season, though he did deal with an ankle injury late in the regular season and into the postseason. Trouba registered just 22 points in 69 games and had a minus-4 rating. This is a far cry from two seasons ago (30 points, plus-7 rating), and even further from 2021-22 (39 points, plus-25 rating).
Another factor to consider is the development of Braden Schneider, who looks like he may be ready to assume a larger role. Schneider has experience playing with both Miller and Jones, and replaced Trouba on the second pair for part of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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Debating where Jacob Trouba should slot in to Rangers lineup
With training camp just two weeks away, Executive Editor Jim Cerny and Staff Writer Dane Walsh debate whether Trouba should stay in his usual second-pair spot with Miller, or play on the third pair alongside Jones.
Dane: I know this is going to be a hot-button topic with a lot of people. I have wavering opinions on the Trouba situation and for many reasons. However, I think that Laviolette needs to have faith in his captain and keep Trouba on the second pair, for now. A lot has gone on regarding a possible trade with Trouba, and no one still knows for sure what went on behind the scenes regarding if he shut the trade down or if the trade fell through. Either way, Trouba knows that Chris Drury tried to move on from him. He had a subpar season, dealt with a late-season injury and then there was a rough playoff performance. That being said, I think Trouba is going to be a man on a mission this season. Since it appears he will be sticking around, Trouba comes into training camp with a chip on his shoulder. He comes in with a lot to prove to Drury, his team, and Ranger fans who want him gone. We can certainly talk about his skill, his questionable hits, or his numbers, but one thing that is a given is Trouba’s passion and dedication to his team. I think Trouba with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove will be a scary sight to see, and I think we see a huge bounce-back season from the Ranger captain. Keep him on the second pair with Miller until he proves otherwise.
Jim: I agree that Trouba will have a big chip on his shoulder and has lots to prove this season. That’s a positive, for sure. Plus, Trouba knows that this is likely his final season in New York — with another year left after this one on his contract and the Rangers needing more cap space for 2025-26 — so he’s going to be all-in on trying to win the Stanley Cup. And I can see him playing some on the second pair with Miller this season, too. But that pairing with Miller and Schneider late last season and during the Stanley Cup Playoffs offered a glimpse into what the immediate future should look like. There’s a really nice fit between the two young defenseman, so it’s time to move Schneider up and Trouba back. There’ll be some bumps in the road for Miller and Schneider, but they’ll end up an excellent second pair in this League. Plus Trouba’s experience and leadership will be invaluable for his third-pair partner Zac Jones, who’ll be getting his first taste of being an NHL regular this season. Trouba on the third pair, taking some shifts along with Miller along the way and playing his usual important role on the penalty kill. That’s the way to go with the captain.
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Dane: Schneider and Miller definitely had some good moments toward the end of the season for the Rangers. However, I thought Jones and Schneider had some potential as well. They got off to a rocky start when they were paired up together, but I think both of their games matured over the course of the season, and they had moments when they looked great when paired up. While you have a good young pair in Schneider-Miller, I wouldn’t sleep on Schneider-Jones either. This allows Trouba to play with Miller, who he has been paired with for years now. The two have been a mainstay on the second pair and can lock things down when needed. They have offensive upside as well. Miller has 30+ points in two straight seasons, and Trouba had 11 goals and a plus-25 rating not too long ago in 2021-22, both NHL career-highs. I also expect Miller to take a big step in his development this year, meaning he may be able to carry more of the workload with Trouba. I think this spreads out the talent of the defense, and makes both Trouba-Miller and Schneider-Jones two solid pairings that are really 2-A and 2-B rather than 2 and 3.
Jim: You’re asking a lot of Schneider to help bring along Jones. They played well together last season, but that was a small sample size. Paired with Miller, Schneider can continue his own growth as an NHL defenseman. Remember, this is only his age-23 season — he’s actually younger (though more experienced) than Jones, who’s 24. I think Schneider has a much better chance to reach his utmost potential when paired with Miller — that twosome has a chance to be special. They certainly were more impressive than Schneider-Jones. And I believe that Jones will benefit with having Trouba there to cover his back, literally and figuratively. Teams will be targeting the diminutive Jones, but less so with Trouba looming, ready to lay someone out.
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