Jacob Trouba wants out of Winnipeg.
His agent Kurt Overhardt, told Hustler & Lawless that his 22-year-old client will not be attending Winnipeg Jets training camp.
Yes. Trouba has in fact asked the Jets asked for a trade.
Overhardt says the trade request going public is not a negotiating ploy. The agent said that he and Jets management have not been able to negotiate a fair and equitable contract with the Jets.
In the spirit of transparency, Overhardt wanted to set the record straight.
"Since May, we have been working with the Jets management in an effort to facilitate a trade of Jacob's rights," Overhardt said in a statement released to media on Saturday evening.
On Monday afternoon, Overhardt reiterated that statement from Saturday.
"Everything on that piece of paper is factual."
Overhardt also said that all conversations between he and Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will be private from here on out.
This is not a publicity stunt nor a test for echo. This is ahigh-profile divorce in the making.
"None of this is happening on a whim. None of this is happening unadvisedly."
Overhardt let the cat out of teh bag when he said that Trouba is in hot demand right now.
"There are several teams' in the NHL "that would love to have Jacob Trouba's rights," and want to give him a chance.
The Jets and Overhardt reached an impasse long ago. Money isn't the sticking point. It's more about how the Jets planned on using Trouba. They want him to accept their reduced role that they have defined for him. He wants to play 22+ minutes, play PP and be a top four contributor.
"Both parties continue to work on this matter. 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. 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."
The Jets already have Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers on long term contracts. Big Buff and Myers are already holding down the #1 and #2 right defense positions. Trouba doesn't want to be the third pair righty. He also doesn't want to be a lefty in Winnipeg.
Jets fans can blame Myers to ultimately taking Trouba;s job away in The Peg. Myers hasn't necessarily been a world beater since the blockbuster trade that sent him from Buffalo to Winnipeg for Evander Kane and other assets.
"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," said Overhardt.
Trouba is an unsigned restricted free agent.
With three years of NHL experience under his belt.
Trouba scored six goals and 15 assists in 81 games for the Jets last season. He averaged 22:03 TOI per game.
Overhardt is committed to helping the Jets find a trade partner for Trouba.
"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," said Overhardt. "We will continue to work with the Jets in good faith to achieve this end."
In 211 career games, Trouba has 23 goals and 49 assists.
Which NHL teams are interested in Trouba?
The Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks are in the hunt. There are bound to be others teams, too.
It's eight weeks until December 1 which means that Overhardt will be busy finding Trouba a new home. I feel strongly that Trouba will not be sitting out this entire season. He will be moving in to a new team.
Listen to Overhardt's radio interview in it's entirety here:
Thanks, Hustler & Lawless
Join the Discussion:
»