The San Jose Sharks made two significant roster moves on Wednesday, inking veteran defenseman Jacob Trouba to a four-year deal worth $33 million and adding goaltender Eric Comrie on a two-year contract valued at $2.3 million.
Trouba, 32, spent last season with Anaheim, where he put up 35 points — including 10 goals and 25 assists — along with 31 penalty minutes across 81 regular-season games. He topped the Ducks’ roster with 149 blocked shots and ranked third on the team with 143 hits. He also chipped in a goal during 12 playoff appearances.
When asked why he chose San Jose, Trouba pointed to the organization’s talent level. He specifically highlighted star center Macklin Celebrini as a big draw.
“(Macklin) Celebrini as a player, and how he plays the game, and it’s not just the high-level skill and talent,” Trouba said of the Sharks’ leading scorer. “He works hard, he’s on pucks, he’s kind of a dog out there. That’s the kind of guy you want dragging everybody into the fight on your team.”
Beyond the on-ice appeal, Trouba said the length of the deal played a major role in his decision, especially with family considerations in mind.
“It’s not just me anymore, it’s a wife and kids, and that’s a decision for the family more than it is just for hockey,” Trouba said. “I think hockey-wise, this will end up perfectly for me. (It’s) also a great place for my family. But term-wise, you don’t want to be moving around a whole bunch, as much as you can try to control it or protect it. Term and security means a lot to me and my family, and I’m grateful San Jose is where we ended up.”
Originally selected by the Winnipeg Jets with the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, Trouba has built an impressive career resume. Over 906 regular-season games with the Jets (2013–19), the New York Rangers (2019–24), and the Ducks (2024–26), he has accumulated 358 points (84 goals, 274 assists), 701 penalty minutes, 1,943 blocked shots, and 1,846 hits.
In 2024, Trouba earned the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, an honor given to the player who best demonstrates outstanding leadership on and off the ice while also making a meaningful impact in his community to grow the game of hockey.
As for Comrie, the 30-year-old goaltender went 12-11-1 last season with Winnipeg, posting a 3.13 goals-against average and an .890 save percentage in 25 games, with 24 starts. Winnipeg originally drafted him in the second round of the 2013 draft.
Across 102 NHL appearances — including 97 starts — with the Jets (2016–19, 2021–22, 2024–26), the Detroit Red Wings (2019–20), the New Jersey Devils (2020–21), and the Buffalo Sabres (2022–24), Comrie holds a career record of 45-47-4 with a 3.11 GAA, a .896 save percentage, and four shutouts.
