Rangers GM breaks silence on his 'threatening' tactics used to trade Jacob Trouba to Anaheim Ducks

New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury has broken his silence regarding allegations from former defenseman Jacob Trouba that Drury used 'threatening tactics' to force a trade to the Anaheim Ducks.

Trouba, who was traded by the Rangers to the Ducks on Friday, accused Drury of threatening to scratch or waive him if he did not agree to waive his no-trade clause.

"It was a threat," Trouba said (per SNY). "Yesterday morning it was accept this trade or we're scratching you. I said okay. Then it was accept this trade or you're going on waivers."

Drury defended his actions In a post on X on Saturday, calling them a part of his job as GM:

"It's my job, and 31 other GMs’ jobs, to try and do everything we can to help our team. There's things at our disposal in the CBA."

"I'm not trying to mess with players. I have a ton of respect for Barclay and certainly, as I've said already, for Jacob. I'm just trying to do the best I can to move the team forward and make changes that I think are necessary."

Drury explained that he was simply using the tools available to him as GM to improve the team as he saw fit.

The Rangers had been trying to trade Trouba since the offseason when his full no-movement clause became a partial 15-team no-trade clause. With Trouba’s high salary cap hit, Drury felt moving him was necessary to free up space and acquire assets.

Drury also pointed to the handling of Barclay Goodrow’s trade during the offseason, who was placed on waivers and claimed back by San Jose, illustrating Drury's willingness to use such tactics.

---

GM Chris Drury on Rangers' next step

The Rangers acquired defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick for Trouba. Additionally, the team recalled prospects Vittorio Mancini and Brett Berard from the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack.

When asked about the next step, New York GM Chris Drury indicated the team will take a patient approach for now.

"We certainly are not opposed to making more changes. But big picture, with that said, the team's been through a lot the last couple weeks, and certainly this week.” Drury said.

“We’d like to let the dust settle a little bit. Let some of the new players that we've acquired from Anaheim, Berard, Mancini, different pieces – obviously moving out the captain, as well – we’d just like to let the team get settled in with this little bit."

It seems New York will allow their current roster changes to sink in before considering further major trades or signings.

The Rangers will next face the Seattle Kraken on Sunday at home.