New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba was coy when asked about his future during his team’s optional Tuesday skatearound amid a haze of trade rumors. The 30-year-old team captain is arguably the leading culprit in New York’s recent defensive slide – but made it clear he is not focused on speculation surrounding his future.

“It doesn’t really matter,” Trouba told reporters. “I’m happy to be here. I’m focused on playing hockey.

“Can’t really control that, I think I learned that throughout the summer. You’ve gotta kind of block all that out and focus on playing hockey with this group here and being the best we can be.”

The Rangers lost 5-2 to the St. Louis Blues at home on Monday night, the team’s third straight. New York was outshot 44-29 and stayed in the game thanks to the typical heroics of star goalkeeper Igor Shesturkin.

Despite the slide, New York still ranks sixth in the NHL with 1.25 points per game thanks to a strong start. The team sits fourth in the Metropolitan Division.

NHL Insider Eliotte Freidman reported on Monday that both Trouba and longtime winger Chris Kreider could be on the move. “In the aftermath of their 6-2 loss in Edmonton on Saturday, the Rangers have made it very clear they are interested in making moves and shaking up their roster,” he tweeted.

“Among the names indicated are Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba, although other options will be considered.”

Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers looks to shoot on goalie Arturs Silovs #31 of the Vancouver Canucks

Chris Kreider is another name reported to be on the trade block by the Rangers ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

“I think it’s part of the business,” Trouba said of the rumors. “I don’t know if it’s real or not, I don’t know. My job is to play hockey and that’s what I’m focused on.”

The Rangers reportedly tried to trade the defenseman this offseason but had trouble because of A) the size of his $8 million expiring contract, and B) his no-trade clause including 15 teams. Trouba cited his wife’s residency at a New York hospital as a primary reason for blocking any trade this offseason.

The 30-year-old was named team captain ahead of the 2022 season and is mostly known for his heavy hits. Trouba is spending just 20:24 minutes on the ice per game this season, the lowest of his career.

The ever-steady Krieder has scored nine goals in 19 contests in the young season. The two-time All-Star missed the team’s skate with an upper-body injury.

“We need to be better,” Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette said of his team’s veterans. “Everyone needs to be better inside the room. It’s not good enough, what we’re doing.”

“I don’t think anybody is going to sit here and say it was good enough. No matter what question you want to ask, it’s got to be better.”