Jacob Trouba believes his participation in the prospect tournament will help him heading into Winnipeg's training camp. "Getting back to playing hockey is always a good feeling," he said. "It's going to help going in." Trouba feels like he's ready for what comes next and he's expected to challenge for a roster spot to open the regular season.

Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and assistant GM Craig Heisinger spent most of their time at the IIHF World Champioship eyeballing 2012 first-round pick Jacob Trouba. "We saw him play in a lot of different situations with eight defensemen in the lineup any given night. Jacob played on the first power play in all the games that we watched," Cheveldayoff said. "He was given a lot of responsibility in that regard. He has a very good slapshot. The team was looking for some chemistry in some areas and found it. I think their power play was pretty good and from that standpoint, it was pretty good to see Jacob be a part of it. Not having played for an extended period of time or ever at the men's level, I think there was a good transition period for him. It looked like he was more comfortable every time he played. He's had a wonderful opportunity given to him and he took full advantage of it." It sounds like the team's brass is impressed with the 19-year-old's play and he's definitely a player to watch going into training camp.

Jacob Trouba had an injury at the IIHF World Championship that caused him to miss three games, but he finished the tournament strong and helped the United States win the bronze medal. "It was definitely an adjustment from where I was," Trouba said. "I hadn't played a game in a month and a half going into that, and I had never played at that level before. The first couple games were an adjustment, and then I got a little injured there for a little bit, and then when I came back I felt fine. I felt like I could keep up and I could play how I play at that level. So it went well." He recorded a goal and two assists in seven contests, while logging 13 minutes of average ice time per game. Trouba may find himself in Winnipeg's top-six defense group next season.

Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff stated Wednesday that the clubs' prospects will get every opportunity to remain at the NHL level at training camp next fall. Mark Scheifele and Jacob Trouba are obviously at the top of the list and they could be NHLers as early as next year. "As an organization, I want every player to have the opportunity and feel that they have the opportunity to play at the level that they deserve to play," said Cheveldayoff. "With respect to those two individuals (Scheifele and Trouba) the opportunity is there in front of them." He will get a good look at Trouba during the world championship when Winnipeg's first-round pick in the 2012 draft plays for Team USA.

Jacob Trouba skated Monday with the Jets at practice, but there's no timetable in place for when he'll make his NHL debut. Winnipeg's first-round pick, ninth overall, in the 2012 draft signed his first pro deal with the team last week. Trouba may not see much action with the Jets entering the stretch run with his teammates trying to get a playoff spot, but he is expected to be a key part of their future. "I'm just practicing, learning, watching games and trying to pick up and seeing what I can learn from everybody out there," said Trouba, who will continue to soak up the NHL experience for now. "I'm just trying to get better. Everybody's been really nice. They've welcomed me here and have been helping me out as much as they can, so I'm thankful for that."

The Winnipeg Jets have signed prospect Jacob Trouba to an entry-level contract. "I am very pleased to announce we've come to terms. He'll be coming to Winnipeg. Jacob will join the team and get acclimated with the club," GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said during the second intermission of Tuesday night's match with the New York Islanders. Trouba isn't expected to take on a big role with the Jets and any time he sees from now until the end of the year will probably be limited. Still, he is a very good prospect who should be on your watch list especially for next season.

Winnipeg prospect Jacob Trouba is considering his options after completing his first season with the University of Michigan last weekend. If he decides to turn pro then he could end up in the AHL or even step into the NHL, although that option is probably less likely. Trouba notched 12 goals, 17 assists and 88 penalty minutes in 37 games with the Wolverines this season.

Jacob Trouba will return to the University of Michigan after winning gold at the World Junior Championship, but he made a positive impression on the Jets brass at the tournament. "We've seen him play in the under-18 program and in college this year but that's a different environment," assistant GM Craig Heisinger said after returning from Ufa, Russia. "There's a lot of pressure. He's a go-to guy." Heisinger also emphasized that Trouba is progressing as a player and a person, which he feels is important for growth at the NHL level.

Winnipeg Jets' prospect Jacob Trouba was named as one of the All-Stars at the recently completed World Hockey Championships. He was named as a defenseman alongside U.S. teammate and Buffalo Sabre prospect Jake McCabe. Canada's Ryan-Nugent Hopkins (Edmonton) the U.S.'s Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary) and Sweden's Filip Forsberg (Washington) were named as the forwards. American John Gibson (Anaheim) was a no-brainer choice as the goalie.

Jacob Trouba was among the 27 invitees for Team USA's selection camp. He played in the tournament last year as a 17-year-old and feels that experience will help him this time around. "Last year, I was fighting for a spot at camp and then just fighting to make the team," Trouba said. "This year, I know what to expect going in, and so because I'm better prepared for it, I hope I can help the team be better prepared for it." The Winnipeg prospect has posted 10 points and 44 penalty minutes in 14 games with the University of Michigan during his freshmen campaign.