Boston Bruins: The Significance Of A Jacob Trouba Trade

Jacob Trouba requested a trade out of Winnipeg yesterday, making waves across the NHL. What would it mean for the Boston Bruins to acquire the young blue liner?

As the Boston Bruins continue to search for a talented, puck-moving defenseman, Jacob Trouba has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets. Trouba is a restricted free-agent that has yet to be signed and wasn’t planning on reporting to Winnipeg Jets training camp. He claims that his trade request is not about the money, but about the opportunity.

Despite showing great promise and skill in Winnipeg, Trouba had to battle for ice time with Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers. A trade to a team with more use for him like the Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils or Detroit Red Wings could help him. This would allow him to continue to flourish. Many GM’s prefer to trade out of conference and all of those teams are in the Eastern Conference, far from the Jets.

What’s Been Said So Far?

Here’s what Trouba’s agent, Kurt Overhardt had to say:

"“Our client, Jacob Trouba, will not be attending the Winnipeg Jets NHL training camp. Since May, we have been working with the Jets management in an effort to facilitate a trade of Jacob’s rights. 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.To the Jets credit, the club has two outstanding right shot veteran defensemen and our client simply wants the opportunity to have a greater role. 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.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. We will continue to work with the Jets in good faith to achieve this end.”"

It’s now clear from the statement, that the process of trying to move Trouba has been a long one. It’s been on-going since the month of May, specifically. Now towards the end of September and with Fall beginning, Trouba has obviously yet to have been moved.

More from Causeway Crowd

Here’s what Jets GM, Kevin Cheveldayoff, had to say on behalf of the organization:

"“We are aware of the statement issued by Kurt Overhardt regarding Jacob Trouba.Over the last three seasons, Jacob Trouba has played a key role for the Winnipeg Jets and in our view still represents an important part of the long-term future of our club. As such, any decisions made regarding Jacob Trouba will be made in the best interest of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club.As an unsigned player, we cannot compel Jacob to report to training camp at this time. However, we will continue to work diligently to resolve this matter. We will have no further comment on this matter until such time as it is resolved.”"

Kevin Cheveldayoff’s statement is pretty self-explanatory. As an unsigned player, Trouba has the right to sit out of Jets training camp.

Is Boston a Fit?

This is very significant and exciting news for Boston Bruins fans as the dream of trading for Trouba has become much more real. Whether he slots in on the right side with Chara or Krug, he will likely see increased playing time. Most of all, a Trouba trade will significantly better the Boston Bruins on the back end. Locking him up long-term would give the B’s a blue line fix for years to come. A fix that they were hoping Dougie Hamilton would be, but we all know what happened there.

Trouba is not the only notable restricted free-agent still remaining on the market. Other notable RFA’s include Nikita Kucherov, Rasmus Ristolainen, Johnny Gaudreau and Hampus Lindholm.

Next: Boston Bruins: Frank Vatrano Out 3 Months

In the end, trading for his rights won’t cost as much as trading for the player straight up. The haul would be pretty heavy for Trouba straight up. He would certainly get the better opportunity he seeks in Boston, rather than Winnipeg. But if by opportunity he means chances to win a Stanley Cup, Boston may not be the best place. Although getting a high-end defenseman like Trouba, the B’s would definitely be closer to returning to the playoffs.

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