Jacob Trouba’s move to the Anaheim Ducks has worked out in a way many fans didn’t expect—setting up a big summer contract decision. If he leaves in 2026 NHL free agency, the Bruins and Sharks are the two destinations that fit what both teams need right now.
Jacob Trouba arrived in Anaheim with a target on his back from the start. When the Ducks traded for him during the 2024-25 NHL season. a lot of fans hated the deal. for reasons that were easy to understand at the time. Trouba was seen as an offensive black hole. and his general defensive play was viewed as limited—his value was more about being big. physical. and blocking shots.
But the part of that story that’s hardest to dismiss came later. The Anaheim Ducks returned to the postseason in 2026, and Trouba played a sizeable role in getting a young, upstart group to the tournament.
He didn’t turn Anaheim into a team that “carried” itself on his shoulders. Instead, he contributed through the grind: eating big minutes and posting a 90% on-ice save percentage, as listed on HockeyStats.com. He also established himself as a quality leader in the locker room.
Now, the question is what happens next—because Trouba is going to get a multi-year contract this summer. The only uncertainty is where. The Ducks would certainly want him back, but it’s equally clear why other options exist, too: money elsewhere, or a better path to chase the Stanley Cup.
That tension—between what Anaheim has already built with him and what he could still chase—sets up what could be a defining decision for his career.
The Bruins could use Trouba’s style to fix a very specific problem
Jacob Trouba Anaheim Ducks 2026 NHL free agency Boston Bruins San Jose Sharks NHL playoffs NHL defensemen
Ducks fans stay delusional lol he was still a plug.
Wait so he had a “target on his back” but then suddenly he’s good? I didn’t watch any of that season, I just heard the Ducks traded for him and everyone was mad.
Bro if he leaves in 2026 it’ll be to the Bruins because Boston always overpays for big guys. Also the 90% save percentage thing—aren’t defenders like, supposed to do that anyway? Sounds like propaganda.
I swear every time a team says “locker room leader” it just means he yells at practice. But I guess if Anaheim made the playoffs then yeah, he probably changed the whole vibe. Still don’t get how “free agency calculus” is different from just taking the biggest money. Bruins or Sharks… I mean Sharks haven’t won anything in forever so good luck to him.