Jacob Trouba has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets
Jacob Trouba's days with the Winnipeg Jets may be numbered.
The 22-year-old defenseman has requested a trade from the team that drafted him ninth overall back in the 2012 NHL Draft. According to Trouba's agent, Kurt Overhardt, his client has been looking to part ways with the team since this past May.
"Our client, Jacob Trouba, will not be attending the Winnipeg Jets NHL training camp," Overhardt said in a statement. "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."
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said prior to the draft this June that he wasn't looking to trade Trouba and instead would like to re-sign the defenseman, who is currently a restricted free agent without a contract. Cheveldayoff released a statement on Saturday addressing the trade request:
Overhardt stated that his client's request isn't about money, but instead that he's looking for a fresh start with a new team that will allow him to play on the right side of the blue line.
"To the Jets' credit, the club has two outstanding right-shot veteran defensemen and our client simply wants the opportunity to have a greater role," Overhardt said. "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.
"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."
As one of the league's best young defensemen, it's no surprise that several NHL teams have already reportedly inquired about acquiring Trouba. It will be interesting to see if he gets dealt before the start of the season and, if so, where he ends up and what kind of return he fetches for the Jets.
Statement from Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff regarding Trouba trade request. pic.twitter.com/0psWbfDb2y
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) September 25, 2016
