The New York Rangers’ decision to trade Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks reportedly could have featured a high-profile return in star defenseman Cam Fowler. However, according to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, Rangers general manager Chris Drury opted against including Fowler in the deal, prioritizing salary cap flexibility instead.
“I heard that Anaheim wanted Fowler in this deal. I have no doubt Fowler wanted to be in this deal,” Friedman said during Monday’s episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast. “At the end of the day, they couldn’t get it done. I think one of the reasons is New York wanted the flexibility for both this year and next.”
The Rangers’ focus on maintaining cap space suggests a long-term strategic approach, even at the expense of acquiring a proven talent like Fowler. By avoiding the addition of Fowler’s contract, New York retains greater financial freedom to pursue other roster moves in the near future.
Cam Fowler, carrying a $6.5 million cap hit through the 2025–26 season under a $52 million contract extension signed in July 2017, was a notable trade chip for the Anaheim Ducks. At 33, the veteran defenseman could have served as a one-for-one replacement for Jacob Trouba in the New York Rangers’ lineup. However, Rangers GM Chris Drury chose a more cap-conscious approach, instead acquiring Urho Vaakanainen ($1.1 million cap hit) and a 2025 fourth-round pick. This move cleared Trouba’s $8 million cap hit and set the stage for Igor Shesterkin’s record-setting $92 million contract extension, a key piece in the Rangers’ ongoing roster overhaul.
The decision also sparked debate about the handling of Trouba, who was the Rangers’ captain. Trouba revealed that the team had applied significant pressure, threatening to waive him if he didn’t agree to a trade. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman noted the legality of the move, calling it “legal but forceful.”
“What they did was perfectly legal,” Friedman said. “It was forceful, and we can all judge. They applied the pressure to him. He did not have a no-move clause.”
The trade underscores the Rangers’ focus on financial flexibility as they navigate a retooling phase, but it also highlights the sometimes ruthless nature of business decisions in professional sports.
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