Edit: Drafted 9th overall by Winnipeg Jets
Today we profile Jacob Trouba, a big mobile defenceman, and the captain of the US National Team Development Program and the Current Under 18 Group. Trouba is committed to play NCAA hockey for the Michigan Wolverines where he will be a teammate of Phil Di Giuseppe. Trouba leads an impressive D group on the USNTDP including top 2013 prospect Seth Jones, and fellow 2012 prospects Brady Skjei and Nicolas Kerdiles.
Defense – Shoots Right
Born Feb 26 1994 — Rochester, Michigan
Height 6.02 — Weight 194 Lbs
| 2010-11 | U.S. National Development Team | USHL | 31 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 31 | -2 |
| 2011-12 | U.S. National Development Team | USHL | 22 | 4 | 14 | 18 | 35 | 8 |
Trouba is yet another in a long line of good young American defence prospects. At 6’2″ 194 lbs and still growing, Trouba possesses very good size. He’s shown himself to be willing to use that size, as he is an effective hitter who separates incoming forwards from the puck. Trouba has excellent defensive instincts and is very safe and solid in his own end. He was one of the better defencemen for Team USA in this years World Junior Championships despite playing in the tournament when he was only 17 years old. Trouba is a willing shot-blocker, and has excellent hockey IQ. He makes a good first pass in his own zone, and is very calm and poised with the puck on his stick. He’s a polished defender who rarely makes a mistake.
Trouba has offensive potential as well. He has a great shot from the point and often plays on the US NTDP Power Play. He has good vision and makes smart passes in the offensive zone. He’s also very good at finding the right time to join the rush and add to his team’s offensive attack. He has good offensive potential, however he doesn’t possess the absolute high-end potential of fellow draft class members Matt Dumba and Morgan Rielly. He could stand to improve his stickhandling and his finishing ability if he wants to be a true top end offensive defenceman. However, as it stands we see him as an effective second wave PP defenceman in the NHL.
Trouba is generally a very good skater. He’s strong on his skates, has good stops and starts, has good edge work, and is agile and able to pivot and change directions quickly and efficiently. However, he could stand to work on his top-end speed as it is the weakest part of his skating ability.
Trouba, like many young players, could also stand to add some muscle to his tall frame. We do believe this will come with time.
Trouba should be an effective two-way defenceman at the NHL level, however it may be a year or two before he is NHL ready. We would compare Trouba and his maximum potential to become similar to Brent Seabrook of the Chicago Blackhawks.
…and that is the Last Word.
