Jacob Trouba
Position: Defense
Team: US National Development Program (USHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: February 26, 1994
Place of Birth: Rochester, MN
Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 194
Shoots: Right
2012 Regular Season Stats:
|
GP |
G |
A |
PTS |
+/- |
PIM |
|
22 |
4 |
14 |
18 |
8 |
35 |
Generally regarded as the top draft prospect in this year’s draft class from the NTDP, Trouba was the only player from the U-18 squad to earn a spot on the U-20 World Junior Championships squad for team USA, where he contributed a pair of assists in six games. (Trouba also played in the U-18s this spring, where he had a goal, two assists, and 8 PIMs.) He’s big, he’s physical, he doesn’t have a problem stepping up against higher levels of competition, and scouts generally agree he’s a good “all around” d-man with strong skating ability. He’s generally projected as a potential top pairing D-man, and that’s exactly why our fraternal enemies over at Hockey Wilderness want the Wild to draft him ever so badly.
Scouting Reports:
Trouba is a big-time right-handed defenseman who projects to be a top pairing two-way defenseman. Despite being only 17-years-old, Trouba is extremely polished and has already proved himself against much older competition as one of the United States’ top defensemen at the World Juniors. The U18 captain has great size and lateral ability and is very mobile in all 3 zones. Trouba plays with a physical edge but shows good decision making, knowing when to take the body and when to use his pokecheck and positioning to make defensive plays. His offensive game is still evolving, but he shows good upside and a quality shot which indicate strong future potential. As it stands, Trouba is already a very safe NHL pick, and if he can continue to improve his offensive game, he could be an exceptional NHL defenseman for a long time.
(Trouba) Is a fantastic rearguard with size, smarts and spectacular skating ability. Sharp defensive anticipation and hockey sense. Possesses a calculating, aggressive stance on the ice and shows flashes of toughness and physicality. Calm under pressure, gritty in front of his net and can absolutely rifle the puck out of the zone and onto a teammate’s stick. Owns vision and can skate the puck up ice very well. Will join the rush, work the puck down-low and report back to his defensive post before the opposition has had time to march out of their zone. Has great hands but could use development with his in tight skills to give him that extra offensive punch. Outstanding feet – extremely mobile and is smothering down low and against the rush. Commands respect from up top along the blue line with his patience, agility and booming shot.
Why He’d Be A Good Fit In Columbus:
“Matt,” you say, “Isn’t our d-corps pretty much set for the next few years?”
Yes, and you’d be right. But much like the previously discussed Cody Ceci, this is a big bodied mobile d-man with a right handed shot who could easily grow into a role quarterbacking the team’s power play while handling tough minutes in his own zone. Plus, despite a pretty solid bumper crop in the NHL, the club’s prospect pipeline could always use a player with this body type and skillset. Would you pass on a young Scott Niedermayer because you already had a pretty good group under contract?
There’s also the sneaky advantage that Trouba has given a verbal commitment to the University of Michigan. Assuming Trouba holds true to that commitment (the Kitchener Rangers secured his rights just in case he decides to go the Major Junior route instead), Trouba would be able to go into the NCAA and get some solid development time under his belt before potentially stepping into the NHL.
Trouba In Action:
Short but sweet – that’s Trouba on the right point (#44) setting up the team USA goal with a blast from the blue line.