“Jacob Trouba is a Winnipeg Jet” is about the most the media could get out of Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff regarding the team finally signing the defenseman to a bargain deal on Monday.
It didn’t take long for people to speculate about the Jets flipping Trouba and his two-year, $6 million contract in a trade, but that’s what we’re stuck with at the moment: mere speculation.
As far as Cheveldayoff goes, he could even see Trouba suiting up for the Jets as early as their Tuesday home game against the Dallas Stars.
That’s not really what people are wondering about, though. Even if Trouba does play a bit for Winnipeg, some wonder if it’s just a matter of time before the Jets make a move.
There’s some history with a stalemate being broken only for a talented player to be moved later, after all.
Every situation is diff, but 5yrs ago Turris signs in Pho, traded to Ott in soon after. Same agent, Trouba still RH. Even more tradeable now
— Ray Ferraro (@rayferraro21) November 7, 2016
Trouba is still a restricted free agent, so the bottom line is that the ball was and is in the Jets’ court.
This “bridge” deal really only postpones drama even if the blueliner goes back to becoming a regular contributor without much fuss. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston notes that Trouba could sign another contract as early as July 1.
Overall, it’s a great situation for the Jets, whether they trade Trouba or find a compromise that works for everyone.
Here’s the full Cheveldayoff press conference, if you’d like to get an idea about how the Jets GM was mostly - understandably - dodging questions: