Colorado Avalanche Rumor: Is Jacob Trouba a Good Fit?

The latest Colorado Avalanche rumor has Jacob Trouba coming to the team with Tyson Barrie as a potential piece of the trade. Find out how Trouba would fit in with the Avalanche.

Well, former Colorado Avalanche beat writer Adrian Dater is stirring the pot again:

So, according to Dater, the Colorado Avalanche are interested in acquiring defenseman Jacob Trouba from the Winnipeg Jets. They’re apparently willing to put defenseman Tyson Barrie in the mix but not center Matt Duchene.

The rumor actually originates with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who must have money in Las Vegas that Barrie is going to be traded. Personally, I’m not so sure:

Related Story: Barrie Won't be Traded

Anyway, let’s look at what that trade would be all about.

Jason Trouba Statistics

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Pound for pound, you’re getting more hockey player in Jacob Trouba. What I mean is that he’s a good 6-foot-3, 202 pounds.

Trouba is also the defenseman’s defenseman, meaning he’s one shutdown player. He’s aggressive and tough even by hockey player standards.

Trouba may not win many races, but he does skate well. He’s got a few offensive tricks up his sleeve — mainly a solid shot from the point.

Jacob Trouba doesn’t put up big numbers, being a shutdown kind of guy. In 211 NHL games with the Jets, he’s scored 23 goals and earned 49 assists.

Unfortunately, Trouba has a real problem with possessing the puck — he was a -36 least season for turnovers and -48 the previous season. Not exactly inspiring for a team that already has trouble possessing the puck. He does block shots and hit anything that moves.

Last season the 22-year-old Trouba averaged 22 minutes of ice time. He’s a right-hand shot.

Related Story: Barrie to the Coyotes?

Fit with the Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche have been moving to big, speedy players with grit, a solid two-way game and leadership.

Trouba is big, though he could use to bulk up a bit. He would fit right in with the Colorado Avalanche blueline, which has been getting steadily bigger. He’s certainly gritty as well, with that alacrity for hitting that he displays.

That said, Trouba’s not fast. He’s got some offensive upside, but his two-way play isn’t solid. I don’t know enough about him to know if he displays a lot of leadership.

Trouba is coming off of his entry-level contract, during which time his cap hit was $894,166. He becomes a restricted free agent this summer. He’d probably want a raise, but it’s hard to say what he could reasonably expect. A couple million maybe?

If the Colorado Avalanche acquired Trouba, he’d fit in pretty well. My guess is they’d want him to be on the second line, either with Nikita Zadorov or Chris Bigras.

It’s hard for me to think of a shutdown defenseman in that position, though, because it’s belonged to Tyson Barrie. Speaking of, let’s look at the other half of the trade.

Related Story: Would Trading Barrie Benefit the Avs?

Tyson Barrie Component

Physically, Tyson Barrie is a lot less hockey player. He’s just 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, and not many people are going to accuse him of being gritty.

Barrie is a sight better than Trouba at puck possession — – 30 turnover ratio — but that’s not saying much. He’s not big on hitting or blocking shots.

Of course, where Barrie excels is his offensive production. Last season he earned 53 points, and this season he neared that with 49. He’s the Avalanche’s go-to guy when they’re down by a goal or two. He’s also Colorado’s power play quarterback.

Now, it’s true Barrie is coming off of his bridge contract and may be looking for a payday in the neighborhood of $5 million. I’m pretty sure that’s what’s inspiring these rumors.

Next: 2 UFA Defensemen for the Avs

Bottom line — if it’s a straight trade, Trouba for Barrie, the Colorado Avalanche lose. Barrie lacks some on defense, but he’s learning. And he provides all that offense.

My guess is the Colorado Avalanche want more. I’d love to see them just get the Jets’ second-overall for Barrie, but I’m guessing that’s not happening. What could happen is the Jets’ #36 pick in addition to Trouba. Or maybe some prospects would be involved on either side.