Jacob Trouba
AP Photo

Jacob Trouba and the New York Rangers have an official salary arbitration hearing scheduled for July 25.

The New York Rangers and defenseman Jacob Trouba have a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for July 25.

Trouba was acquired last month by the Rangers for defenseman Neal Pionk and the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Trouba is coming off a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets where he recorded eight goals and 42 assists for 50 points while appearing in all 82 games.

Jeff Gorton and Trouba’s camp should have no problems settling on a contract. The team can sign the defenseman without making any roster moves; they have approximately $8 million in cap space available.

Yet, roster moves are inevitable either by trades or potential buyouts since the team has three other restricted free agents to sign, including the club’s other salary arbitration eligible forward, Pavel Buchnevich. His hearing date is scheduled for July 29.

The 25-year-old Trouba will be seeking a long term contract with a cap hit of $7-8 million per year. Should he and the Rangers decide on a one year contract, the defenseman would become an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season.

Trouba is expecting to be paired with Brady Skjei on the blue line when camp opens this September. The duo is expected to be the top defensive pair and will get plenty of ice time against opponents’ top lines, along with plenty of power-play time.

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A graduate of St. John's University class of '91. I have been a fan of the New York Rangers since the days of Peter Puck. Founder of Ranger Proud, the Facebook page that covers all news, notes, pre /post-game stats, and player quotes. I can be reached at Nyrfc12@gmail.com