NY Rangers Trade Rumors: Jacob Trouba could make way for $57.5 million Ottawa Senators winger 

The New York Rangers are reportedly interested in signing one of the Ottawa Senators' key players.The side havemade two monumental, franchise-shaping moves today as not only did they re-sign goaltender Igor Shesterkin to the richest contract in NHL history for a player in his position, but they also traded now-former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks.

The Rangers received a depth defenseman and a fourth-round draft pick in return from Anaheim, who agreed to pick up Trouba's entire $8 million AAV salary. But while the 30-year-old's vacated salary cap space helped make it possible for Shesterkin's record-breaking contract extension, could it also open the door for a major addition up front?

According to longtime Rangers beat writer Larry Brooks of The New York Post, the Rangers are said to be looking at Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, who is yet to play a single postseason game in his career. The 25-year-old signed a seven-year contract worth with the team worth $57.5 million.

Tkachuk, who was the fourth overall pick by Ottawa in the 2018 NHL Draft and who has scored 13 goals with 16 assists so far in 2024-25.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has openly vented his frustration over never appearing in the postseason

The sibling of Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, the 30-year-old has had to watch his brother advance to the Stanley Cup Final the last two consecutive seasons, which culminated in a Panthers victory this past spring over the Edmonton Oilers.

The brotherly love between them has been on full display in recent years, as Brady excitedly cheered for Matthew in the postseason with the Panthers along with being on hand to cheer him on during his time with the Calgary Flames.

But Tkachuk has made no secret that he loathes the fact that he's yet to play a single postseason game in his career.

“I just finished Year 6 and haven’t done a thing,” Tkachuk said. “I haven’t played in those meaningful playoff games that I have imagined and the rest of the group has imagined playing in."

“I’m sick and tired of losing. I don’t want to be going home in April anymore. It’s frustrating. I’m disappointed. At the end of the day, just disappointed," he added.

The Ottawa Senators are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division with 24 points to their name. After their win over the Detroit Red Wings, the team will next be up against the Nashville Predators.