"Every year, it’s frustrating" - Jacob Trouba speaks out on Rangers' playoff woes

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba did not mince words when expressing his frustration over the team's inability to advance past the conference finals.

In an interview with The Athletic on Wednesday, Trouba opened up about the Rangers' playoff woes and the disappointment of their postseason exit.

"It’s always hard. I think after every year, it’s frustrating," Trouba said about coming to terms with the Rangers' defeat to the Florida Panthers last season. Everyone has their thoughts, what they’d do differently. All that stuff goes through your mind. The longer you play, I think the harder that is."

"As hard as the year prior was — losing to Jersey — (when) you lose in the first round, it’s different than losing when you’re close to making the Final. It takes some time and then eventually you’ve got to find it in you to turn the page and use it as motivation to work toward next year."

The Rangers put together an impressive 55-23-4 record in the regular season, capturing the Presidents' Trophy. But their playoff run ended heartbreakingly, losing a 4-2 series lead to the Panthers in the Eastern Conference finals.

Jacob Trouba talks about his trade speculation

Jacob Trouba was the subject of much trade speculation this offseason. This summer was the first time Trouba's contract allowed him to be traded. For the first five years of his seven-year, $56 million deal (as per Spotrac.com), Trouba had a full no-movement clause. On July 1st, that switched to a 15-team no-trade list.

The Rangers asked for Trouba's list of preferred trade destinations a few days early, but his camp did not submit the list until the deadline. This may have hampered Rangers manager Chris Drury's ability to explore potential trades.

Ultimately, the trade rumors amounted to nothing, as Trouba remains with the Rangers.

"It was fine," Trouba said on Wednesday to the Athletic. "It's part of the business. I knew that part of my contract turned this year (to a no-trade list), and I submitted a list. That’s what I did. All the other noise was pretty much noise.”

“I’m happy to be here. I’m excited to go into the season. Great opportunity ahead of us.”

With the trade speculation behind him, Trouba can focus on the upcoming season with the Rangers.