Defenceman Jacob Trouba to sit out Jets training camp, agent working on trade

Defenceman Jacob Trouba has requested a trade from Winnipeg and doesn’t plan on attending Jets training camp.

Trouba’s agent Kurt Overhardt said in a press release on Saturday that the 22-year-old blue-liner wants an opportunity to play somewhere else, citing Winnipeg’s logjam of defenceman.

“Our client, Jacob Trouba, will not be attending the Winnipeg Jets NHL training camp,” said Overhardt. “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.”

Trouba, who played for North America at the World Cup of Hockey, is currently a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and hasn’t attempted to negotiate a new deal in recent months, according to Overhardt. 

Overhardt says that Winnipeg’s depth on the blue line, specifically the right side with Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers, limits his client’s role in Winnipeg and that a new situation would be best for everyone involved.

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“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,” said Overhardt. “The situation is not about money. It is solely about our client having the opportunity to realize his potential as a right-shot NHL defenceman.

“To the Jets credit, the club has two outstanding right-shot veteran defenceman and our client simply wants the opportunity to have a greater role. As a consequence of the Jets depth on the right side, we believe it is in both parties’ best interest to facilitate a mutually advantageous trade.”

Kevin Cheveldayoff, Jets executive vice-president and general manager, acknowledged Overhardt’s statement and says that anything that is done in the near future will be what’s best for his club. 

“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. 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.”

Overhardt highlighted that the request for his player to be moved out of Winnipeg has nothing to do with the city.

“Our client has nothing but respect for the people and city of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Jets, its fans, management and ownership — 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.”

The Jets originally selected Trouba with the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NHL draft. The Rochester, Mich., native has played 211 regular-season games with Winnipeg and has 23 goals and 72 points.

The Canadian Press