Max Miller
Next up in the July 1st moves is the San Jose Sharks’ signing of defenseman Jacob Trouba to a four-year contract.
Trouba signs a four-year deal with a cap hit of $8.25 million per year. GM Mike Grier fills the hole of a right-handed defenseman. This is a perfect example of the Sharks needing to overpay slightly to sign the player. Let’s be honest, the free agent market for defensemen is thin, but Trouba is a logical add. Trouba recognized that, from both a family and a hockey perspective.
“[Term is] obviously important. It’s not just me anymore, it’s a wife and kids. That’s a decision for the family more than it is just for hockey. I think hockey-wise, this will end up perfectly for me,” Trouba explained. “[It’s] also a great place for my family. But term-wise, you don’t want to be moving around a whole bunch, as much as you can try to control it or protect it. Term and security means a lot to me and my family, and I’m grateful San Jose is where we ended up.”
The Athletic doesn’t project Trouba’s market value to be anywhere near what he was paid; the four-year term is livable.
Top San Jose Sharks defense prospects Keaton Verhoeff and Ryan Lin likely won’t have their first extensions hit until the 2030 offseason. That offseason is the end of Trouba’s contract with the Sharks. Sam Dickinson will be due for a contract extension that won’t count against the cap until the 28-29 season.
From an on-ice perspective, Trouba will hit, block shots, and provide a good breakout pass. The breakout pass from the right side was desperately missed last season. Trouba will fill the shot-blocking role on the PK that Vincent Desharnais and Mario Ferraro leave behind. Ferraro signed a three-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets.
Although Desharnais contract is cheaper, and he’s slightly younger, Trouba is a better player for the San Jose Sharks. His personality will match well with the locker room, and he brings leadership qualities that helped him with the Anaheim Ducks.
His results won’t jump off the page, but with a decent forward core in front of him, reliable, minute munching defense with minimal mistakes is all that’s needed. The 32-year-old played 81 games last season, scoring 10 goals and 25 assists.
My Grade: C
Grade overview:
I give this grade for Trouba because there really wasn’t a better option available for Grier. I would’ve been more willing to pay slightly more for two years of John Carlson, but he didn’t want to play on the West Coast. Trouba will be fine, and hopefully, he doesn’t fall off a cliff.
My biggest fear for the Trouba Train is his foot speed. The blue liners around him should make up for that, but if he doesn’t refine his angling when defending the rush, he could be in some trouble. He’s got a good shot and can provide some minutes on the second power-play unit.
It is a slight overpay, and while three years likely would’ve been better for the Sharks, Trouba admitted he had other four-year deals on the table.
It is an upgrade, but it carries a risk. If the deal goes sour fast, his full no-trade clause shifts to a 16-team no-trade list in year three of the deal. If Trouba can play quietly and limit mistakes, he’ll be just fine in Teal.
More About:Opinion Sharks News