He just turned 20-years-old, but Winnipeg Jets defenceman Jacob Trouba has shown maturity beyond his years.
"It’s so hard to play in the NHL as a defenceman, as a young, first-year defenceman,” said Jets head coach Paul Maurice. “But then to be a catalyst for a hockey team is really unusual."
In his rookie season, Trouba has averaged more than 22 minutes of ice time per game, ranking fourth among all Jets skaters.
In 48 games, the young blueliner has recorded seven goals and 23 points while maintaining a plus-six rating. His solid play on both sides of the ice has earned him mentions as a possible candidate for rookie of the year.
"I don't really focus on that or worry about any of that too much,” Trouba said. “You’ve got to worry about the team. We're focused on making the playoffs, so that's what I'm focused on."
Monday night, Trouba will face-off against another young star.
Fresh off a 13-game point streak, Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon leads all rookies with 22 goals and 50 points. Many consider MacKinnon the favourite to win the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie.
“I think everybody knows he's a great player,” said Trouba. “He's someone you’ve got to be aware of when he's on the ice."
"You watch him on TV so you don't get the full appreciation for what a player does,” said Maurice. “But having the opportunity to be out on the ice with Jacob, there's just so many times in practice you see a glimpse of something.”
“And he's (Trouba) just got a wicked shot you saw it Saturday, just about dropped the goalie."
Just one year removed from university hockey, Trouba said the adjustment to the NHL has been a whirlwind but one he seems to be taking all in stride.
"I don't really get too star-struck or caught up in any of that. Just go out and play hockey because I like to play hockey and that's what I enjoy doing."
