Rangers getting Jacob Trouba clarity will shape their NHL free agency as ugly split looms

There wasn’t a whole lot of action for the Rangers during the NHL draft this past weekend because the organization isn’t focused on picks or prospects, just what the 2024-25 team is going to look like, which is business better suited for the first day of free agency on Monday.July 1 was always supposed to be the date Blueshirts president and general manager Chris Drury could really begin retooling anyway, especially since it’s the day captain Jacob Trouba’s no-move clause turns into a 15-team no-trade list.Indeed, the Rangers’ desire to move on from their third captain in the last decade has echoed around the NHL.It’s been everywhere, with more and more private details of the situation spilling out into the public eye.The Post’s Larry Brooks reported Drury was working on a trade that would send Trouba to Detroit, which would allow the veteran defenseman to return to the state where he grew up and played a year of college hockey.

Plus, his buddy and one-time Ranger Andrew Copp is there, too.Trouba’s no-trade list could derail any plan, but it’s hard to imagine a better scenario for the 30-year-old.Anything is better than remaining in a place you are no longer wanted.As the countdown to Trouba’s departure ticks, the only other player who is loudly rumored to be on the trading block is Kaapo Kakko, who last month agreed to a tradeable contract at his qualifying offer price of $2.4 million.Otherwise, Monday will be about the free-agent market for the Rangers.The Rangers will not get their coveted reunion with Patrick Kane after the 35-year-old forward agreed to a one-year deal to remain in Detroit.A second act on Broadway for Kane would’ve been welcomed by a Rangers organization that understandably wasn’t satisfied with his first stint in Manhattan in the second half of the 2022-23 season.Nevertheless, Kane will look to help the Red Wings end an eight-year playoff drought next season.Other notable forwards expected to be available and potential...