Jacob Trouba demands a trade from Winnipeg Jets

Jacob Trouba, who is a restricted free agent defenseman, has demanded a trade from the Winnipeg Jets. Kurt Overhardt, agent for Trouba, released a statement on Friday.

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.

Trouba says it's about wanting to reach his potential as a right shot D, and nothing against the city of Winnipeg.

 A place where I have the ability to reach my potential as a right shot D. There’s plenty of need for that in this league. I’ve played on the right side for 18 years. As a 22-year-old, I don’t have the opportunity to do it in Winnipeg.

What do you think, did Trouba never intend to stay in Winnipeg? Or is his trade demand simply about getting a chance to play top minutes?