NHL GM reveals the truth about Jacob Trouba
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier is confident Jacob Trouba brings something rare to the Sharks blue line, and he speaks from experience.
Grier, who spent time with Trouba during the defenseman's tenure in New York, described him as one of a kind, per Derek Van Diest.
I think with 'Troubs', I was with him in New York, he's kind of a different animal, there's not many people like him in the League," Grier said. "He's someone when he's out there, you have to know he's on the ice and you have to have your head up. He's got strong character, leadership, I think it'll be really good to help mentor our young D.
Sharks made a splash on defense
Trouba signed a four-year, $33 million contract with San Jose as an unrestricted free agent, carrying an $8.25 million average annual value.
San Jose also acquired Darnell Nurse in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, adding another veteran presence to a defense that struggled last season.
The Sharks allowed 3.54 goals per game a year ago, the third-highest mark in the League, behind only Vancouver and Toronto.
Grier's offseason additions were aimed directly at fixing that problem while protecting San Jose's prospect pipeline.
Veteran leadership for a young core
Trouba, 32, posted 35 points on 10 goals and 25 assists in 81 games for Anaheim last season.
He arrives with a track record of leadership, having served as New York Rangers captain, and Grier believes that experience will pay dividends for San Jose's developing defensive prospects as the Sharks build around Macklin Celebrini.
The Sharks also locked up forward Mason Marchment and defenseman Michael Kesselring this offseason as Grier reshapes San Jose's roster heading into 2026-27.
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