WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenceman Jacob Trouba to a two-year, $6-million contract.
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The deal comes roughly six weeks after Trouba’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, revealed his client had asked to be traded. Overhardt says the request was made as Trouba wanted to switch sides and play as a right shot defenceman. Some believed the statement was a cover-up and that the American no longer wanted to play in the Manitoba capital.
“From the very on set, Jacob didn’t have a problem playing in Winnipeg or Canada,” said Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.
“We’ve been interested in signing Jacob the whole summer. From my standpoint, nothing has changed. Hockey players want to play hockey. There was an opportunity here.”
News of the trade request irked some players. Jets forward Mathieu Perreault was the most vocal, calling Trouba selfish. Cheveldayoff doesn’t believe there will be an issue when the 22-year-old returns to the team.
“Everyone knows there is a business side to the game,” said Cheveldayoff. “When players are in the dressing room, that’s their family. I think he will be welcomed back.”
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Trouba could return to Winnipeg as soon as Tuesday. He has been skating in the Detroit area, giving Cheveldayoff confidence he is physically ready to play.
“It’s not out of the realm of possibility to see him tomorrow (against the Dallas Stars) but that’s probably pretty quick,” said Cheveldayoff. “We’re hopeful sooner rather than later.”
WATCH: Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff talks about signing Jacob Trouba
When asked if he now plans to trade Trouba, Cheveldayoff replied by saying he’s a part of the team.
“Jacob Trouba is a Winnipeg Jet,” said Cheveldayoff. “We are here to announce his signing and the excitement that’s there. He gets the opportunity to re-join this team and get on the ice.”
Trouba became a restricted free agent this summer when his three-year, entry-level contract expired. He logged 23 goals, 49 assists and 151 penalty minutes in 211 regular season games with the Jets. Trouba was selected ninth overall by Winnipeg in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
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