NHL analyst Jake Tye of 'The Hockey News' believes the Jets could bring back their former star Jacob Trouba, but under the condition that he takes a big pay cut. The 2026 edition of NHL free agents is <a href='https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets/latest-news/could-jacob-trouba-return-to-winnipeg' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>potentially the biggest that the league will ever experience</a>. From superstars like Connor McDavid to Artemi Panarin, who potentially could end up in free agency, the offseason might be rocked with mass roster changes, as long as the recent trend of household-name players signing early does not persist. A former Winnipeg fan favorite player to see is Jacob Trouba. The Jets' ninth overall selection in 2012, the six-three right-handed shot blueliner has a contract that is expiring with a salary of $8 million per year. Hard-bodied and possessing 30-40 point potential in the right environment, Jacob Trouba has been troubled lately with a minus designation for a third consecutive season. Part of that regression is possibly due to a volatile stretch dressing for the New York Rangers, for whose club he was captain until he was traded to Anaheim last season. If his California sojourn does not pan out, a return trip to Winnipeg would be a likely option when he enters free agency next summer. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Ducksblogger/status/1948373945834492323'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <h3>A $5 to $6 million AAV would likely be the most the Jets could commit to Trouba</h3> <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl/trades/nhl-analyst-links-edmonton-oilers-defenseman-to-winnipeg-jets-for-salary-cap-relief' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>The Jets could utilize some postseason-endured depth on the blue line</a>. A return of Trouba, presumably with a decreased cap hit in the range of $5 to $6 million (the one condition needed), would be a solid move, per NHL analyst Jake Tye. The Jets may be in the market for a playoff-tested defenseman to strengthen their depth, potentially pairing Trouba with a veteran like Luke Schenn. If Trouba is willing to sign at a reduced cap hit in the range of $5 to $6 million, Winnipeg could see value in bringing back a player they once saw as a cornerstone piece. - Jake Tye <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/HLHouseofHockey/status/1948429032925888978'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> In conjunction with a reliable veteran like Luke Schenn, Winnipeg would possess a good second or third pairing. <a href='https://www.nhl.com/ducks/player/jacob-trouba-8476885' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Trouba</a>'s top season was in 2018-19 when he recorded 50 points with 42 assists, ninth highest among NHL blueliners. He was also the league leader in blocked shots (171) and second on his team in hitting (112) that year. Getting back to Winnipeg would allow Trouba to focus his game again and regain the shape that made him a pillar for the Jets' defense.