Trouba: This season could be 'last crack' for Rangers' core

Jacob Trouba understands that this could be the last dance for the New York Rangers as currently assembled.

"(It's) an opportunity that we have in front of us that in all likelihood will probably be the last crack for this core," Trouba said per The Associated Press. "I don't think that's a secret by any means. (A) group that's kind of grown together, spent some years together here, and there's something we want to accomplish."

The Rangers have several players entering the last year of their contracts who are scheduled to receive notable raises next offseason, including Alexis Lafreniere (RFA), K'Andre Miller (RFA), and Ryan Lindgren (UFA). The salary cap could prevent New York from keeping its current group together.

Trouba himself, as well as star forward Artemi Panarin, are slated to become UFAs in 2026.

Trade rumors swirled around Trouba this offseason after he struggled defensively in both the regular season and playoffs. The Rangers reportedly requested his 15-team no-trade list, though he was ultimately never dealt.

The captain said he didn't take the rumors too seriously.

"There's a lot of things that were said and snowballed," Trouba said, per The New York Post's Mollie Walker. "I don't know, you're going to have figure out where they came from. If you find out, let me know."

He added that "there's no animosity" toward the organization.

Trouba has spent six seasons with the Rangers after he was traded by the Winnipeg Jets in 2019. He's worn the "C" for the last two seasons and was the 2024 recipient of the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.

The Rangers lost to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final this past spring. It was their second trip to the final four in the last three years.