Jacob Trouba is a core part of the veteran group that San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier has brought in ahead of this season.
The 32-year old, who’s played for the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, and Anaheim Ducks across his career, brings plenty of experience to the San Jose Sharks locker room, alongside Darnell Nurse, Kiefer Sherwood, and others.
“All those guys you named have gone through different things throughout their careers, and no matter what’s presented this year, we feel that throughout the leadership group and the whole team, we have experiences of – there’s guys that have won, there’s guys that have been through hard times, hard years, come out of different situations,” Trouba said. “Whatever we go through, we probably (have) a guy who can relate some way and be vocal, speak up, and try to help the group the best we can. We are in this thing together, and I think a lot of those pieces coming together to create a more positive whole is the goal.”
Trouba spoke about his new coach, Sam Dickinson, and more.
On his favorite thing about San Jose, besides the weather…
The nature. I don’t think I was expecting that coming from Orange County, just a very different feel. It’s kind of like ‘Aspen, California’ up here was how we described it. It’s beautiful driving in, driving out. Where we live is beautiful and peaceful and quiet, and we love all those things.
On his first impression of San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky…
Good. Seems like a solid communicator. That’s probably the biggest thing in my opinion, of a coach, is being a good communicator to individual players and to the group. I think he’s done a good job of that. He’s been pretty straightforward and honest with me so far. Today was our first team meeting that he spoke to the group. I’m looking forward to working with him. People say a lot of good things.
On the difference between his first and second year with the Ducks…
My first year, I was kind of heartbroken, wasn’t too high on hockey that year. But coming back last year, with some renewed energy, I had a lot of fun. The biggest thing for me was (Ducks coach Joel Quenneville) let me go out and play hockey at the start. He told me ‘Go play, have fun, enjoy yourself.’ I think had a lot of fun last year. I’m looking forward to playing some fun hockey again this year.
On reuniting with Barclay Goodrow…
He’s one of those guys that does have that contagious energy, and guys want to be buddies with him, and he’s pretty nice to everyone. As a teammate, he’s probably one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. And when I was in New York, he was probably one of the guys I leaned on most as part of our leadership group there. He’s that guy that’s open arms, always inviting people, and people definitely gravitate towards him. Good to be back in the locker room with him.
On his impression of Sam Dickinson…
Good, obviously a talented young player. Probably if we end up playing together, just try to help him as much as I can to get on the same page and be good defensively and let him do his thing offensively.
On what the Sharks’ identity needs to be…
Relentless, competitive, bonding with each other and growing as a group. You’ve got to build trust with your teammates and build relationships. That’s how you get close as a team and stay connected and play the game the right way and lean on each other.