The New York Rangers will be without their captain as a result of the NHL Department of Player Safety’s decision. Following an incident that occurred during Friday night’s game, DPOS has decided to punish Jacob Trouba for two games. It was decided late on Saturday afternoon.
NY Rangers’ Jacob Trouba has been suspended for two games for elbowing Vegas’ Pavel Dorofeyev. https://t.co/IB2OwULxk1
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 27, 2024
Jacob Trouba Has Two Suspended
Trouba committed an elbowing infraction against Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights at 18:08 of the second period. The incident occurred after a face-off in the Rangers’ left defensive circle, where Trouba struck Dorofeyev in the head with his left elbow while both players were vying for position. This information was disclosed by the Department of Player Safety (DPOS) in a statement addressing the suspension. Notably, no penalty was assessed for this hit during the actual game.
Hailing from Rochester, Michigan, Trouba has recorded three goals and 16 assists, totaling 19 points in 48 games this season. Throughout his 11-year NHL career, he has played for the Winnipeg Jets and the Rangers. As a veteran defenseman, Trouba boasts a Corsi for of 41.8 and a relative Corsi of -14.9.
In his extensive career spanning 727 games, Trouba has accumulated 73 goals and 233 assists, contributing to a total of 306 points. He was initially selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round, ninth overall, during the 2010 NHL Draft.
What it Means
Known for his robust defensive style, Trouba has consistently walked the fine line between aggression and questionable plays. His physicality has resulted in some impactful hits, leaving opponents sidelined and heading to the locker room.
Despite frequently flirting with the boundaries, Trouba has mostly managed to avoid supplementary discipline. However, there have been instances, such as a high-stick on Boston Bruins winger Trent Frederic earlier in the season, where he may have warranted a suspension.
The timing of Trouba’s absence due to suspension couldn’t be worse for the New York Rangers, as they find themselves in the midst of their most challenging stretch right before the All-Star Break. The team will be without one of their key defensive players for the next two games. The first part of the season concludes with a Saturday night matchup against the Ottawa Senators, requiring the Rangers to travel up north.
