Jacob Trouba Out for "Roster Management," Mancini Recalled from Hartford

It's no secret the Rangers have been struggling the last month and change. There was some hope in the air when they were able to hold off the Canadiens, but that quickly evaporated after being brought to school earlier this week by their rival, and thriving may I remind you, New Jersey Devils. For weeks now, we've all been wondering what has to give for a change to be made. This was especially questioned after Drury himself made a very public statement on shaking things up. Was that for pure motivation, or did the GM actually mean it? This morning may have finally provided us the answer to that question.

A couple of things to note, Mancini in for Trouba is already an improvement. That's simple, the Rangers captain has been that bad. Also this announcement of "roster management" could mean a number of things. Did Drury force the captain to accept a trade or is Trouba about to be waived and forced to undergo the Wade Redden treatment? If it's the former you have to wonder what changed for Trouba after he rightfully exercised his no trade clause in the summer, he currently has a 15 team no trade list. If it's the latter there are a couple of steps that will need to happen first which could likely see Trouba picked up by another team but overall this is breaking news.

With Trouba already halfway out the door, it seems for whatever reason becoming the captain for the New York Rangers starts the doomsday clock for your career on Broadway. Both Ryan McDonagh and Ryan Callahan were traded while wearing the "C" in New York. Trouba could be the third consecutive example of this happening. It's no wonder none of the players wanted it for a couple of years. On the other side of this trading or removing your captain mid season is a tough blow for a team's success that year. Per my colleague Eric Kohn, the last time a team did this and won the Stanley Cup was in 1993 when the Canadiens sent Guy Carbonneau to the St. Louis Blues mid season. It is possible, but it is not likely, and this year felt very much as a cup or bust type season so we're treading backwards here.

Last but not least, the main concern I have regarding all of this is the impact it has on players wanting to sign with the Rangers. There have been a few questionable moves made by Drury that have been considered a business decision. Yes, other teams have done this as well, and yes this is indeed a business but that doesn't change the fact it could affect a free agent's thought on signing with the team. The way we forced Goodrow out and now potentially Trouba may not sit right with some folks and while Drury is still in charge that could be another hurdle this team will have to overcome.