WINNIPEG — A day after signing a new deal with the Winnipeg Jets, Jacob Trouba has revoked his request to be traded.
“I’ve committed to sign here for two years,” Trouba said. “When I signed that piece of paper, everything changed in my mind.”
The Jets signed the unrestricted free agent to a two-year, $6-million contract on Monday, ending a stalemate between the two.
READ MORE: Winnipeg Jets sign Jacob Trouba to new deal
In September, Trouba’s agent revealed his client requested a trade out of Winnipeg as he wanted to switch sides and play as a right shot defenceman. Some believed the statement was a cover-up and the 22-year-old American no longer wanted to play north of the border.
“It had nothing to do with Winnipeg or Canada,” Trouba said. “I’m a player that gets to play in the NHL and that’s a pretty special thing. That’s what I dreamed of my whole childhood. I don’t think it matters where.”
Trouba doesn’t regret making the request and feels good for taking a stand for what he believed was best for his future.
“I felt it was the best thing for me to do at the time,” he said. “You can go with the flow and do what everybody else does or you can try and stand up for what you believe in.”
Trouba said he understands if Winnipeggers are frustrated with him. His teammates, on the other hand, welcomed him back to the dressing room with open arms.
“I know there aren’t any hard feelings,” Winnipeg Jets captain, Blake Wheeler said. “You give him a big hug and welcome him back. He’s a big part of our past and where we’re going in the future. I think everyone was excited to get him back in here.”
It’s a far cry from a few weeks ago when Mathieu Perreault called Trouba selfish.
“I’m disappointed in him asking for (the trade request),” Perreault said back in September. “We like him and want him here. All of a sudden he wants out. It’s not something we really appreciate.”
WATCH: Mathieu Perreault calls Jacob Trouba trade request selfish
Trouba could be back in the lineup as soon as Thursday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes. A decision won’t be made until he undergoes off-ice testing and a full practice. Jets head coach Paul Maurice wouldn’t reveal whether he’ll play Trouba on the left or right side.
“He’s going to play defence for the Winnipeg Jets,” said Maurice. “Same place he finished off. Play as part of a group.”
Trouba has logged 23 goals, 49 assists and 151 penalty minutes in 211 regular season games with the Jets. He was selected ninth overall by Winnipeg in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.