The Detroit Red Wings have kept a low profile during this offseason. After securing Patrick Kane, they made a series of moves that may not have been flashy but were still solid. David Perron and Shayne Gostisbehere have found new homes, leaving the Red Wings with more questions than answers. They narrowly missed the playoffs last season and now fans are wondering what general manager Steve Yzerman’s plan is to address the team’s concerns. Could Jacob Trouba be the answer?
Jacob Trouba could bring some much-needed physicality to the Wings, an element they have been lacking for years. Trouba is known for his competitiveness and engaging spirit, qualities that his teammates admire. His fight with Jonathan Toews two seasons ago ignited the New York Rangers on a winning streak. Trouba is also heavily involved in his community, starting a nonprofit for children with epilepsy. Having someone with his leadership qualities and work ethic could be a huge boost for a team like Detroit as they aim for the playoffs after a long drought.
However, there are also concerns when it comes to Trouba. His high-risk play style leads to a high number of penalty minutes, which could be a liability for Detroit. Trouba’s defensive analytics are not stellar, raising questions about his impact on the team’s defensive core. The financial aspect of acquiring Trouba is also worrisome, as his $8 million a year contract may not match his production on the ice. The Rangers may need to retain part of his salary for a trade to even be considered by the Wings. Additionally, trading away the Rangers’ franchise captain is a big decision that cannot be taken lightly.
In a hypothetical trade scenario, the Red Wings could acquire Trouba with the Rangers retaining 35% of his salary. In exchange, the Wings could offer up Justin Holl and a late round draft pick. This trade could benefit both teams, with the Rangers freeing up cap space while Detroit adds another defenseman to their roster.
The potential acquisition of Trouba raises more questions than answers for the Red Wings. Will his physical presence make up for his defensive shortcomings? Can Detroit afford his hefty contract without sacrificing other roster moves? Only time will tell if Trouba is the missing piece that the Red Wings need to make a playoff push.
