New York Rangers: 5 bold predictions for 2019-20 season

4. Trouba will aim to become one of the NHL’s highest paid defensemen

Since Sept. 23, 2016, it was a known fact that Jacob Trouba would eventually depart from the Winnipeg Jets. The sweepstakes culminated on June 17, 2019 — after Trouba’s two-year, $6 million contract (signed Nov. 7, 2016) came to a conclusion — when the 25-year-old was traded to the Rangers for Neal Pionk and Winnipeg’s first-round selection in 2019.

With rumination on the defender’s future set into motion once again, public opinion appears to be split on the type of contract that Trouba shall yield.

Holger Stolzenberg perhaps summarized the wide-ranging schools of thought best. Gesturing to previous comments from Larry Brooks of the New York Post, Stolzenberg unpacked the diverse network of options at Trouba’s disposal:

"Trouba could sign a seven-year deal now for around $7.5M per year. However, if he’s willing to bet on himself, the 25-year-old Trouba could turn this into a nine-year deal worth as much as $70M. Trouba could be looking to sign a one-year deal this summer and then would be eligible to sign an eight-year pact after the trade deadline and cash in at that time."

He also touched on another question: What if the defenseman finds it difficult to adapt to the upcoming transition?

"Another possibility: Trouba struggles in New York, weakening his contract options. The Rangers are ready to commit seven years to him right now. The Rangers view him as a top-line defensive player, but often playing in New York creates new pressures. Trouba has gambled on himself before, signing a one-year deal with Winnipeg last season and proceeded to produce a career-high eight goals and 50 points."

Whatever the case, look for Trouba to cash in on what has promised to be a major contract negotiation. The defender will almost certainly look to become one of the sport’s highest paid blue liners at some point over the weeks — or months — ahead.