The New York Rangers made headlines by trading captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional 2025 fourth-round draft pick and defenseman Urho Vaakanainen, without retaining any of Trouba's salary. Despite Trouba's struggles this season, his reputation may have influenced the deal.

This trade reflects a shifting market for defensemen in the NHL, potentially opening avenues for other teams to offload unwanted contracts. Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas may need to act quickly to take advantage of this evolving landscape.