According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Winnipeg Jets, as expected, are actively shopping defenseman Jacob Trouba around. Here’s a look at five teams who would make the most sense for him.
The 2019 NHL offseason is shaping up to be one of the most ridiculous in league history. Not only are there free agents like Joe Pavelski, Erik Karlsson, and Artemi Panarin, but there are also a ton of NHL trade rumors. Defenseman Jacob Trouba of the Winnipeg Jets is the best blueliner available.
TSN is reporting the Jets are actively shopping him despite his outstanding 2018-19 season. To understand why the Jets are trading him, you have to look at the timeline of their relationship. It all started back in 2016 when Trouba became a restricted free agent.
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Trouba held out, wanting a long-term deal from Winnipeg. The Jets refused to give him one, leading to a staring contest, with each side waiting for the other side to blink. Trouba later a two-year deal in November, delaying the inevitable for until 2018.
Last summer, he was once again a restricted free agent. Trouba, wanting to prevent a repeat of 2016 and perhaps force a long-term deal, elected to go to arbitration with the Jets. Discussions about a long-term deal never really happened. Trouba was awarded a one-year $5.5 million deal by the judge.
For the third time in four summers, the Jets defenseman is a restricted free agent. Barring something unexpected, a long-term deal in Winnipeg seems impossible for Trouba. They weren’t willing to give him one in 2016 or 2018. Why would the Jets be willing to do it now?
Trouba is an interesting trade candidate because of his contract status. He’s a restricted free agent this summer but will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2019-20 season. The Jets could keep him, but it doesn’t seem likely.
Which five teams would should trade for him? Let’s take a look. All of the proposed trades assume Trouba will sign an extension with the team that trades for him. This should help maximize the return for the Jets.
But first, a few honorable mentions.