The many landing spots for Jacob Trouba?
Murat Ates of The Athletic: Jacob Trouba’s numbers lend themselves to a possible trade around the NHL Draft. What return could he fetch?
That depends on the destination. A 50-point season only increased his potential trade value. Winnipeg needs a top-four defenseman or top-six center ideally. Here are some quick possibilities.
The Detroit Red Wings make much sense and Trouba has worn a Detroit Tigers hat in the past. Filip Hronek is not likely in a return but some picks or prospects would not hurt that much.
Tampa Bay is in a precarious position much like Winnipeg cap wise. Tyler Johnson could be a nice return but that full NTC presents a problem. J.T. Miller and Yanni Gourde‘s clauses do not kick in till July 1. The money end and Trouba’s decision impact this.
After that, there are the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, and Anaheim Ducks. Out of those teams, the Buffalo Sabres swapping Rasmus Ristolainen for Trouba may help both squads. After that, the other teams may feel a cost-prohibitive effect just to get Trouba aboard.
Should Winnipeg target Nazem Kadri?
Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: It appears Kevin Hayes will not re-sign in Winnipeg so looking at a Plan B like Nazem Kadri is intriguing at least.
Remember, Brock Nelson was taken off the market after signing a six-year $6 million AAV deal to stay with the New York Islanders. Kadri represents a spark and ornery type of player who can net 50-point seasons and maybe even 25-30 goals (has scored 30+ goals twice in his career).
The Toronto Maple Leafs cap situation mirrors Winnipeg’s in some ways and Kadri could be expendable.
Could Jack Roslovic be moved or better yet, Jacob Trouba?
Toronto is not that far from Detroit and if Trouba was willing to sign an extension, that would be a beneficial swap for both teams.
Nazem Kadri’s $4.5 million AAV for three seasons could be great for Winnipeg as they would get their second-line center and for relatively cheap. It is a transaction Kevin Cheveldayoff should be on to quickly.