New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and defenseman Urho Vaakanainen from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Jacob Trouba.
“I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Jacob for his tremendous contributions to both the Rangers and our community,” said Drury. “Jacob has been a true leader both on and off the ice, playing a pivotal role in our success over the past several years.
Since joining New York five years ago and serving as captain for the last three, he has exemplified grit, toughness, and outstanding leadership. We are incredibly grateful for everything Jacob has done for the Rangers.”
Vaakanainen, 25, has appeared in five games for Anaheim this season, recording one assist. Over his 141 NHL games with the Ducks and Boston Bruins, the Joensuu, Finland native has totaled one goal and 24 assists, amounting to 25 points.
Last season, the 6-2, 205-pound defenseman set career highs with 68 games played, one goal, 13 assists, 14 points, 55 hits, and 79 blocked shots. He was also the Ducks’ nominee for the 2023-24 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
Internationally, Vaakanainen represented Finland at three consecutive World Junior Championships (2017, 2018, 2019), earning gold in 2019. He also helped Finland win gold at the 2016 World U-18 Championship and silver at the 2017 World U-18 Championship.
Vaakanainen was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in the first round, 18th overall, in the 2017 NHL Draft.
Trouba spent six seasons with the Rangers and served as captain for three of those years. In 364 games with the team, he recorded 31 goals and 105 assists, totaling 136 points. Trouba was honored with the 2023-24 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award and received the Rod Gilbert “Mr. Ranger” Award in 2022-23.
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