How The Jacob Trouba Soap Opera Could Ruin The Rangers

The Blueshirts dust has cleared and what we have now is – well – more dirt.

It came via Canada's Sportsnet aimed at Chris Drury and you'll never guess who was the prime blitzer. None other than ex-Islander hero goalkeeper Kelly Hrudey.

Long a respected NHL analyst, Hruday – in so many words – asserted that Drury, the Blueshirts boss, botched both the Jacob Trouba melodrama as well as his previous dumping of Barclay Goodrow during the off-season.

"I didn't like the way it played out," Hrudey told the Sportsnet panel. "If I was Trouba, I'd be bitter because it was not done in good faith. It was ugly."

Other panelists decried Drury's ultimatum – either accept the trade or be waived.. The general feeling dispensed by Hrudey and other panelists was that the "Take It Or Leave It" message is not one to please the players.

And that includes the present roster who may just be feeling stronger for their ex-captain than their current general manager.

Meanwhile, Igor Shesterkin's "More Than Any Other Goalie" eight-year deal has elicited a cross-section of opinion.

On the one hand Drury is lauded for fulfilling his promise to sign the onetime Vezina Trophy-winner. Others are ripping the GM for its length – eight years – and the fact that Igor will be 36 when its term ends.

"This contract won't age well," said author and longtime NHL analyst Alan Greenberg in Florida. Ditto says Noam Kogen in New York and The Maven Thirds the motion. Assuming that he can find partners, next on Drury's agenda will be further trades.

While Mika Zibanejad's country club performance would put him on the top of the Trade Parade, Z's obese salary and declining ability would make him a tough sell even in the KHL.

Chris Kreider, who can't seem to get out of second gear – and doesn't know from assists – also is available in the Used Ranger Lot. A few teams may kick his tires but it's evident that forever a Ranger Kreider does not want to leave The Apple.

Drury has amply proven by his mishandling of Goodrow and Trouba that sentimentality went out with trolley cars.

Slumping Alexis Lafrenière is another story. Already signed long-term, the large right wing would be available if The Boss only could get the highest quality in return.

Then again, if Wayne Gretzky could be traded it could happen to anyone – even Big Al!