Kevin Cheveldayoff wanted only one resolution: for Jacob Trouba to remain in a Winnipeg Jets uniform. On Monday, he got his wish.
The general manager signed the restricted American free-agent defenseman to a two-year, $6-million contract, and both parties now hope to leave the past in the past - especially the 22-year-old's trade request.
Related: Fantasy Fallout: Trouba's return stabilizes Winnipeg's back end - for now
Cheveldayoff acknowledged the situation was difficult on a professional and personal level.
"Jacob means a lot to our organization. ... He's a Winnipeg Jet," Cheveldayoff said, according to the Jets' website.
The 46-year-old executive added, "There are long-standing relationships that go deeper than the game. I've got a picture in my office of me shaking his hand when we drafted him; I care about how he's doing. I'm glad we were able to get this done and that he's a part of our group again."
While Cheveldayoff wouldn't get into details of the past six weeks of negotiations and trade talks, he made a point of saying Trouba's trade request and decision to hold out had nothing to do with playing in Winnipeg, or playing in Canada.
"From the very onset ... Jacob didn't have a problem playing in Winnipeg and in Canada," Cheveldayoff said.
The Jets' season early on has been defined by the electrifying play of Patrik Laine and injuries, and Cheveldayoff is looking forward to adding Trouba back to his group.
"We're hopeful sooner rather than later," the GM said about Trouba's return to the lineup.
Winnipeg's home to Dallas on Tuesday, and while it's possible Trouba may be able to get his paperwork sorted by then, Thursday in Phoenix may be more likely. It's a busy week for the Jets, with four games in six nights.
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