Good news for those concerned with Dustin Byfuglien’s ATOI, as the Winnipeg Jets and Jacob Trouba have agreed to a two-year contract worth $3 million per. The 22-year-old is set to make $2.5 million in 2016-17, followed by $3.5 million next season.
The question now becomes if he’ll make that money while wearing a Winnipeg Jets uniform.
Given the circumstances, it’s important to note how this new contract is eminently tradable. An average annual value of $3 million is low enough where interested teams can and would find a way to make it work (a task made all the easier if there’s a contract heading Winnipeg’s way). For sake of comparables, Trouba's bridge is a $450,000 premium over Matt Dumba money. It's a fine cap hit for a complete defenceman of Trouba's ilk, whether for the Jets or another team.
If you’re Jacob Trouba & you want out of Winnipeg, signing a reasonable bridge deal is a way to help expedite it. More valuable today.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) November 7, 2016
The news is early enough where we don’t know what the narrative or purported plan is moving forward. Will the Jets address usage when they comment on the deal? Does Jacob Trouba now jump straight back onto the first pairing alongside Dustin Byfuglien, or the right side with **insert defenceman here**?
Regardless of Trouba's future with the organization, what this contract provides is certainty for Winnipeg. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff can now trade him or not, safe in the knowledge that he's inked and obligated to play for this season and next.
Turris: 22, RFA, Overhardt client, out ’til Nov., signs 2-year bridge
Trouba: 22, RFA, Overhardt client, out ’til Nov, signs 2-year bridge
— Mike Halford (@HalfordPHT) November 7, 2016
If a deal develops and Chevy gets his asking price, whatever it is, wonderful. If not (or until then), hey look, Jacob Trouba's back! Winnipeg's d-corps and the team as a whole are better for it.
Update:
Chevy’s answer to the “did Trouba rescind his no-trade?” included an anecdote about how he has a picture of Trouba in his office.
— Mike Halford (@HalfordPHT) November 7, 2016
