Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba requests trade
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba has requested a trade and plans to skip training camp.
Trouba's agent, Kurt Overhardt, released a statement Saturday saying that the 22-year-old American defender wants an opportunity to play somewhere else, citing Winnipeg's logjam at the position.
''Our client, Jacob Trouba, will not be attending the Winnipeg Jets NHL training camp,'' Overhardt said. ''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 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. The Jets drafted the Michigan native ninth overall in 2012, and he has 23 goals and 49 assists in 211 regular-season games.
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.
''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,'' Overhardt said. ''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.
''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. 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, the 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,'' 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.''
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,'' Overhardt said. ''We will continue to work with the Jets in good faith to achieve this end.''
