Jacob Trouba trade rumors: Insider shares Rangers "roster management" update hinting at $56,000,000 star's future

Jacob Trouba once again finds himself, along with Chris Kreider and many others, the subject of viral trade rumors. The New York Rangers are 1-6 in their last seven contests, and general manager Chris Drury is reportedly weighing his options. That includes team captain Trouba.

Trouba is not expected to play tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins because of "roster management."

Elliotte Friedman also touched on the subject Thursday:

"I think what Chris Drury is doing is he is using the time to see exactly what he can or can't do out there. This is not just about the players they mentioned on the trade list, the Kreiders and the Troubas. I think this is about everybody."

The NHL insider said this goes beyond a potential Trouba or Kreider trade. He believes some players, like Alexis Lafreniere and others, won't be moved, but everyone else could be going elsewhere.

He went on:

"There's a lot of talk about Trouba. ... It was made very clear that if he was traded last year, he just wouldn't be happy because it wasn't good for his family situation. I don't think that's changed."

Friedman believes that while Trouba, who is in midst of a seven-year, $56 million contract, is available, it will be a surprise if he's traded. He wants to stay in New York and would likely be very unhappy with a move elsewhere during the middle of the season.

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NHL insider predicts this is the end of the line for Jacob Trouba in New York

It's the final year of Jacob Trouba's contract, which does make him an interesting rental candidate for a contender. However, given his expressed desire to stay in New York, a trade seems unlikely.

Jacob Trouba may not stay in New York (Imagn)

Despite that, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes the writing is on the wall. It won't be via trade, but Trouba's time in New York is coming to an end. Via Athlon Sports, he said:

“I think next year he understands he’s going somewhere else. This is his last year in New York. I think he doesn't want (to be traded) now, and I think that affects his situation.”

Given how many times Trouba has been in trade rumors, it is not surprising that the Rangers may not be interested in re-signing him.