Jacob Trouba’s resurgence with the Anaheim Ducks has been one of the more quietly compelling storylines of the NHL season, and it goes well beyond a simple change of scenery. The former New York Rangers captain has found renewed confidence, consistent production, and a sense of joy that had been missing late in his time on Broadway. As Anaheim continues its push toward the playoffs, Trouba’s play has not only helped stabilize the Ducks’ blue line but has also provided him with an opportunity to reflect, sometimes pointedly, on what went wrong in New York.
On Tuesday night, Trouba added another chapter to that narrative. He scored his ninth goal of the season in Anaheim’s 4–2 win over the Seattle Kraken, a victory that marked the Ducks’ ninth win in their last 11 games. With just 26 games remaining, Trouba now sits only two goals shy of matching his career high of 11, a mark he set during the 2021–22 season with the Rangers. The contrast is striking considering he managed just one goal across 77 games split between New York and Anaheim last season.
After the game, Trouba did little to hide the reasons behind his turnaround. Speaking on the NHL on TNT postgame show, he offered a candid assessment of his current mindset. “I think playing a little looser,” Trouba said. “To be honest with you, I’m having a little bit more fun than I’ve had the past couple of years.” The comment landed as a subtle but unmistakable jab at his former team, and given the turbulence of his final seasons in New York, it was hardly unexpected.
Trouba’s last two years with the Rangers were clouded by trade speculation, injuries, and declining on-ice results. That tension came to a head in December 2024, when general manager Chris Drury threatened to place the veteran defenseman on waivers. Faced with that reality, Trouba agreed to waive his 15-team no-trade clause and accepted a move to Anaheim, bringing an abrupt and unceremonious end to his six-year tenure with the franchise.
The fresh start has clearly had an impact. “I think that’s been refreshing for me — coming to the rink with a smile on my face and excited to show up to practice and put in the work and be around the guys here,” Trouba said. “The young guys are pretty infectious. It’s pretty fun to be around this group, and it’s something I’m really enjoying.”
Beyond the improved atmosphere, Anaheim’s on-ice situation has also been far more favorable. While the Rangers continue to slide down the Eastern Conference standings, the Ducks sit comfortably in a playoff position, holding third place in the Pacific Division with 63 points. Trouba has benefited from a steady role and a strong partnership, most notably alongside Team USA Olympian Jackson Lacombe. The two have logged more than 477 minutes together at even strength, far more than Trouba has played with any other partner this season. His average ice time of 22:35 per game is his highest since the 2018–19 season with the Winnipeg Jets.
Trouba has been quick to credit Lacombe for that success. “Coming here last year, I think I knew who he was, but I’d never really watched him play,” Trouba said. “Pretty quickly, you see the ability he has. Getting to play with him is pretty special. He makes the right plays, always in the right spot; he covers my butt a lot.”
This is not the first time Trouba has hinted at lingering frustration with his former organization. When the Rangers visited Anaheim in January, he famously piped circus music into the Ducks’ locker room while New York media waited outside. During his introductory press conference with Anaheim last season, he also joked, “It’s a rite of passage to get fired at MSG.”
Those moments have not sat well with portions of the Rangers fanbase, particularly given the intense scrutiny that comes with wearing the captain’s “C” in New York. Trouba’s seven-year contract worth $8 million per season only amplified that pressure. Still, his contributions should not be forgotten. He was a key piece on Rangers teams that reached the Eastern Conference Final twice in three years, captained the 2023–24 squad to the Presidents’ Trophy, and earned the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award that same season.
His postseason record, however, was not without blemish. In the 2024 playoffs, Trouba played through a broken ankle, an injury that reportedly saw a “kidney bean-sized chunk” of bone break off. Although he recorded a goal and seven points in 16 games, his struggles were evident, particularly during the conference final loss to the Florida Panthers. A costly misplay on Sam Bennett’s goal late in the first period of Game 6 played a significant role in New York’s elimination.
Given everything that unfolded, the separation appears to have benefited both sides. The Rangers moved on from a polarizing figure, and Trouba rediscovered his form and enthusiasm in Anaheim. For now, at least, it is clear that he is enjoying the brighter days, both on the ice and away from the glare of Broadway.