Jacob Trouba's agent has expanded on his client's public trade request, making it clear there have been no contract negotiations with the Winnipeg Jets due to what's being considered an untenable depth-chart situation working against the defenseman.
Speaking on TSN 1290 in Winnipeg on Monday, Kurt Overhardt stated Trouba simply wants to play on a roster where he can thrive as a top-pair, right-shot defenseman, as relayed in the original statement released explaining the trade request.
Related: Jacob Trouba's agent says he's requested trade from Jets
"The announcement that we made on Saturday was not done unadvisedly," Overhardt said on the radio. "I think it shows the conviction of a young man who's got a set of values where he wants to have the opportunity to realize his potential. And after several conversations with people in Winnipeg about this, we just don't feel - based on the outstanding depth they have on the right side - that that opportunity is going to be afforded."
Overhardt said he has not been negotiating with the Jets on behalf of the restricted free agent.
"We've been having discussions with the club since May about this particular issue - only about this issue," he reiterated. "We have a lot of respect for (general manager) Kevin Cheveldayoff and the ownership group there, and I think it's pretty much a private matter.
"But coming all the way to camp - and especially now that the World Cup's over for Jacob and the North American team - we just thought it was necessary to be transparent and explain why he is not at camp."
If the Jets decide not to trade Trouba and don't get him signed by Dec. 1, the defenseman will be forced to sit out the season. Asked if that's something his client is prepared to do, Overhardt was non-committal, saying it's a scenario that will be addressed only if and when the time comes.
At this point, it seems the issue will be resolved after one side blinks first.
