Trouba calls his future with Jets ‘two-way street’

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This article was published 09/04/2017 (3160 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jacob Trouba understands his long-term future is a hot topic.

The 23-year-old defenceman skipped 15 games to start the 2016-17 season while embroiled in a contract dispute with the Winnipeg Jets. At the time, he had requested a trade.

The restricted free agent returned Nov. 11 after signing a two-year deal worth US$6 million and was arguably Winnipeg’s best defender. His game is a complete package of a physical defender with an explosive offensive side.

So, what about a long-term contract extension?

“That’s something I’ll talk with (agent) Kurt (Oberhardt) about and with management, but I still have another year and I’m back in the same RFA spot,” Trouba said. “It’s not a super-pressing issue, I don’t think. I’ve just got to play out next year and see where it goes.”

Would he like to stay in Winnipeg?

“I’ve got no problem with Winnipeg and I think I’ve made that pretty clear,” Trouba said. “The contract is a two-way street and both sides have to come together and agree on something. It’s not completely me, it’s not completely them. It’s a mutual thing.

“That’s something I’ll talk with Kurt about. I enjoyed playing for that team and the teammates that we have in that room. I think we all jelled pretty well together and you can ask pretty much anyone… I think everyone feels this team can go somewhere. This was my dream to play here (in the NHL) and I’m living it and I couldn’t be happier.”

Lowry’s to-do list

Centre Adam Lowry established career highs in goals (15) and points (29) and was one of only four Jets to play all 82 games. But he has definite ideas about how he can continue to progress.

“I think it’s going to be important that I continue to work on my skating,” Lowry said. “It allows me to play against the faster and bigger guys and gives better matchups to (Mark Scheifele) and (Bryan Little) and whoever in the future. That’s kind of what I’ve been brought up to do, defence-first mindset.”

As a template, Lowry doesn’t shy away from using Ryan Kesler of the Anaheim Ducks, one of the league’s best two-way centres, as a role model.

“I think you look at Anaheim’s dynamic and how they’re able to get him out on the ice against other team’s top lines and he’s about to thrive,” Lowry said. “He’s great offensively. I don’t think we’re ever going to see those (Kesler-type offensive) numbers from me, but that’s a guy I look up to. You hate playing against him on the ice. He rubs you the wrong way but he’s a tremendous two-way player and that’s kind of what I strive to become.”

New deal for Little?

Bryan Little has one season remaining on a five-year deal that will pay him US$4.7 million in 2017-18. He has indicated he would be receptive to the possibilities of an extension.

“I’m not sure (what will happen),” said the 29-year-old, who has spent his 10-year career in the Atlanta-Winnipeg organization. “That’s still a couple months away, if something does happen. I’ve told (GM Kevin Cheveldayoff) and them that I want to be here and I want to be part of the future and that hasn’t changed for me.”

Rough road for Toby

Defenceman Toby Enstrom endured a difficult, injury-filled season. He was sidelined for 19 of the last 24 games with a knee injury, which would required surgery, and a concussion he sustained when Pittsburgh Penguins forward Tom Sestito drilled him into the boards on March 8. Sestito was suspended four games for the hit.

“It was tough,” Enstrom said. “I got in this year excited looking at our team and I think we definitely had a team that should be in the playoffs. So with the way everything turned out, I’m a little bit disappointed that we’re not there.

“After Christmas it was a little bit tough and then got hit, too, so while I was out I had a knee surgery, too. So that hasn’t been good… This is the second year I’ve had that and not been able to play at the end of the year so, of course it’s never fun to be out.”

Man on a mission

When Mark Scheifele was awarded an eight-year, US$49-million deal in the off-season, many believed it would take at least a year or two for the Jets to start reaping the rewards from their young centreman.

Scheifele, 24, had a breakout season in 2015-16, scoring 29 goals and 32 assists in 71 games. Though impressive numbers, a notable amount came later in the season with the Jets already out of the playoff hunt. Because of that, many were unsure whether it was a flash of brilliance or something that could be sustained long term.

Scheifele was able to silence his critics this season, setting new highs in goals (32), assists (50) and points (82). When asked about his achievements this year, Scheifele stayed true to form by expecting even more next season.

“I had goals set before the season and I definitely achieved them, but next year it’s got to be even better,” he said. “I’ve got to push myself to be the best, so I’m going to push to be the best player I can be and, you know, make those numbers even better.”

Scheifele admitted it was a rough season for the Jets, especially through the number of injuries the team sustained and the tough schedule to start the year (the Jets played 32 games in the first 60 days).

“I think the biggest thing for us is we can’t look at it as it as there’s going to be growing pains, there can’t be rookie mistakes. A team that makes the playoffs doesn’t have those excuses. We have to be on the top of our game right from the start of the season,” he said. “That’s something that every guy has to go home and focus on, and know that we didn’t make the playoffs, there’s obviously going to be changes and no one’s job is safe.”

Say cheese

When Patrik Laine was drafted with the second-overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, it was a moment that would forever change the Jets.

The 18-year-old Finnish-born player wasted little time leaving a mark, scoring a goal in his first ever NHL game. That momentum carried throughout the season as he finished with a team-high 36 goals along with 28 assists for 64 points in 73 games. He quickly became a favourite at every stop he made, with media and fans all looking to catch a glimpse of the budding star.

With the season now at a close, Laine was asked how he was able to handle all the attention.

“It’s just nice to see how many people are watching what you’re doing,” he said. “There’s a lot of people that are excited that I’m doing well. It’s always nice to sign autographs and (have people) ask for photos. There’s going to be a time when nobody recognizes you and you don’t have to sign any autographs. I need to do that now.”

Laine said he’s looking forward to returning home to Finland after what he called a long season. Despite suffering from a concussion midway through the year, Laine said he can’t remember the last time he ended a season feeling as healthy as he does now. What may be most surprising, however, is that if he doesn’t join his country in the upcoming world championships, he doesn’t plan to get back on a pair of skates until August.

“I just need to work out off the ice,” he said. “There’s still going to be lots of time to be on the ice. I don’t have to do it in summer.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @sawa14 jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @jeffkhamilton