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The overhaul of the Rangers defense will be on full display this upcoming season, with only two blueliners remaining from the defensive core that reached the Eastern Conference final twice in three seasons from 2022 to 2024.
It was an initiative that informally began around this time last summer, when president and general manager Chris Drury first attempted — and failed — to trade Jacob Trouba.
Drury then used the waiver wire as a “threat,” according to the ex-captain, who ultimately approved a trade to Anaheim roughly two months into last season.
In came Urho Vaakanainen.
