Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba requests trade
Jacob Trouba wants out of Winnipeg.
The Jets defenseman's agent, Kurt Overhardt, released a statement Saturday night outlining his client's wish to be traded. Trouba is a restricted free agent and doesn't have a contract for the upcoming season, but the Jets — who drafted him No. 9 overall in 2012 — own his rights.
"Our client, Jacob Trouba, will not be attending the Winnipeg Jets NHL training camp," Overhardt wrote. "Since May, we have been working with the Jets management in an effort to facilitate a trade of Jacob’s rights. Both parties continue to work on this matter.
Penguins' Matt Murray breaks hand at World Cup, out three to six weeks
"There has been no negotiation regarding the terms of a contract between our client and the Jets over the course of the last several months. The situation is not about money; it is solely about our client having the opportunity to realize his potential as a right-shot NHL defenseman."
Overhardt noted that the Jets have "two outstanding right-shot veteran defensemen," referring to Dustin Byfugelien and Tyler Myers, who led the defensive unit in minutes played. Trouba played top-four minutes last season but was forced to shoot from the left side even though he's right-handed.
Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff issued a statement in response to Trouba's request.
"Over the last three seasons, Jacob Trouba has played a key role for the Winnipeg Jets and in our view still represents an important part of the long-term future of our club," Cheveldayoff said. "As such, any decisions made regarding Jacob Trouba will be made in the best interest of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club.
"As an unsigned player, we cannot compel Jacob to report to training camp at this time. However, we will continue to work diligently to resolve this matter. We will have no further comment on this matter until such time as it is resolved.”
Trouba told SportsNet the trade request is about finding an opportunity "where I have the ability to reach my potential as a right-shot D."
Girardi, Staal among Rangers with much to prove
"There’s plenty of need for that in this league," Trouba said. "I’ve played on the right side for 18 years. As a 22-year-old, I don’t have the opportunity to do it in Winnipeg."
The University of Michigan product posted a plus-10 rating and 21 points last season. The third-year pro possesses great size and potential and should attract plenty of interest from defense-needy teams.
"Our client has nothing but respect for the people and city of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Jets, its fans, management and ownership," Overhardt said. "Our desire to get him moved has everything to do with opportunity. We will continue to work with the Jets in good faith to achieve this end."