The Jets have one of their own players on the trade market in Jacob Trouba, but what could they be looking at in return?
Torey Krug – Boston Bruins
The Bruins have been pursuing Jacob Trouba for a while, and this may be the cost to get him. Krug had 4 goals, 40 assists, and 44 points last season for the Bruins. He played in 81 games, which provides some reassurance for the Winnipeg Jets injury prone roster, and should replace Trouba nicely if a trade involving both of them was to happen.
Related Story: Who is the Winnipeg Jets Number One Center?
Jake Gardiner – Toronto Maple Leafs
It has been reported that the Leafs offered Gardiner in a trade for Trouba, but the details weren’t 100 % clear. Gardiner, is 26 years old, and was drafted 17th overall in 2008. He also has something the Jets need to improve on, and that’s left-handed defensemen. He would prove extremely useful for the Jets, and could potentially eat up big minutes on the top two pairings.
Jakob Chychrun – Arizona Coyotes
Chychrun is almost a perfect example of what the Jets are looking at in return for Jacob Trouba.
The Coyotes drafted Chychrun 16th overall in 2016, and was considered an absolute steal. An even bigger upside for the Jets is that Chychrun is a left-handed defenseman. Chychrun may have to be sent with another asset but is what the Winnipeg Jets are looking for. He is a very talented player, who would fit great on their future D-core, but the only downside with him is that he’s younger, and isn’t quite Trouba’s calibre.
Anthony Mantha – Detroit Red Wings
The Red WIngs have reportedly expressed interest in Jacob Trouba, and Mantha’s name has popped up in rumours. This could be a legitimate possibility, because Mantha is a right winger, and the Jets right side is a little weak. Mantha could be a great addition for the future, but would have to come in a package for the Jets to accept the trade. Last season, Mantha played 60 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL. He had 21 goals, and 24 assists for a total of 45 assists. Mantha played 10 games in the NHL for the Red Wings last season. He scored 2 goals and 1 assist.
Whoever the Jets end up trading for, there is no way they will rush it and accept less than Trouba is worth. Hopefully they make the decision that is best for the franchise, and a decision that will help us win the Stanley Cup.