Jets' Jacob Trouba unlikely to get quick resolution to trade request
That a restricted free agent must be signed by Dec. 1 to be eligible to play in the corresponding season is the best hope of a resolution in the Jacob Trouba vs. Winnipeg Jets dispute.
The defenseman's May trade request became public Friday. It is a wish that will be difficult to facilitate quickly.
Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said, "Decisions made regarding Jacob Trouba will be made in the best interest of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club."
That sounds similar to Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman, who ended up letting Jonathan Drouin sit for two months after his trade request. Drouin is still a Lightning player.
The Jets don't want to trade Trouba, either. Last season, he played more than 22 minutes per game. But they also don't want to pay him like a premium defenseman.
Trouba is the third right-shot defenseman on the Jets behind Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers. That means he is often playing on his off-side and he's not a power play regular. He wants to go where he can be a top-pairing guy.
The Jets have made it clear that they want a player of Trouba's age and caliber in return.
Those deals are difficult because trading a younger player with upside means you are creating a hole to fill another.
Cheveldayoff needs to be cautious. The field is littered with lopsided trades involving an elite young player for a package of players.
Boston Bruins fans will long be cursing the deal that sent Tyler Seguin to the Dallas Stars.
Cheveldayoff should look no further than the Evander Kane trade for proof that patience works. He waited long after Kane requested a trade before pulling off an excellent deal with the Buffalo Sabres that helped the Jets then and into the future.
New York Islanders general manager Garth Snow didn't rush to trade defenseman Travis Hamonic when he asked for one. They couldn't find the right deal, and didn't move him. He ended up rescinding his request.
Trouba said publicly that it has nothing to do with the city or the fans, but Cheveldayoff has to reaffirm to fans that the Jets will fight to hang onto their players.
The Jets are always battling the image of being a city where NHL players don't want to play. Recent extensions for Byfuglien and forward Mark Scheifele are an attempt to build the nucleus. Plus, Blake Wheeler is signed for three more seasons.
The Drouin and Hamonic scenarios are different because they are under contract, while the Jets hold Trouba's rights, even as he remains unsigned. But the pressure will be on Trouba and the Jets to get something done the closer this gets to Dec. 1.
Five teams that could benefit the most by acquiring Trouba: 1. Detroit Red Wings; 2. Boston Bruins; 3. Colorado Avalanche; 4. Edmonton Oilers; 5. New Jersey Devils.
Story line to follow: Jets may have to find a veteran to plug hole caused if Trouba is dealt. How about Dennis Seidenberg or Kyle Quincey? Either would be inexpensive on a short-term contract.
Biggest offseason change: Drafted Finnish star Patrik Laine with the No. 2 pick. He's ready to play, and he is capable of scoring 25 goals as a rookie. He's a big, strong winger with a big shot.
Source: www.bing.com