Jacob Trouba – Defenseman
2015 – 16 Cap Hit: $894,167
Age: 22
Drafted: 9th overall in 2012
The 2012 first rounder stepped into the Jets lineup as a 19-year-old after leaving the U. of Michigan and has been strong for three NHL seasons. The Jets re-signed defenseman Dustin Byfuglien during the season, have veteran blueliners Tobias Enstrom and Tyler Myers making over $5 Million per season and have to lock up RFA center Mark Scheifele on a new deal.
Trouba will never put up the offensive numbers that Byfuglien will, but brings what most teams are looking for in a top-four defenseman. Winnipeg has 2013 top pick Josh Morrissey in the pipeline and Trouba’s name was floated during the season when the Travis Hamonic trade rumors were percolating.