Holland has been the Jets’ top draft pick since 2008, and the 25-year-old is in his fourth season as an NHL defenseman. He is in the final season of a four-year contract that carries an average annual value of $4.33 million.
The Jets also signed free agent defenseman Jacob Trouba to a three-year, entry-level contract on Thursday. The former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman can be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Trouba, 24, is expected to play a key role on the Jets’ blueline for the remainder of the season. He is expected to be the Jets’ top defensive pairing next season, while Mathieu Perreault is expected to get the nod as the team’s No. 1 defenceman.
“He’s been our best defenseman this year,” Jets coach Paul Maurice said. “He’s done a good job for us defensively. He’s played a lot of minutes. He’s really played the right way. We’re happy for him.”
Trouba, who was named the NHL’s first star of the week on Wednesday, has been one of the biggest contributors on the Jets’ blue line. He has played in all 82 games this season and has six goals and 17 assists, along with a plus-15 rating.
“He’s been huge for us,” Jets forward Blake Wheeler said. “He’s played good defence. That’s what we need out of that guy. He’s a leader and he’s a guy that’s been playing well all year, and he’s just been playing really well.”
When Trouba was selected by the Jets in the second round, 21st overall, of the 2008 NHL Draft, he was considered a project with a high ceiling.
But he’s turned into a solid contributor, and he’s a natural leader. The Jets’ top defence pair isn’t the same without him, and the Jets’ top line isn’t the same without him.
“He’s one of those players who has a lot of character,” Wheeler said. “He’s a great guy. He’s really a big part of this team. He’s done a really good job for us. He’s been a huge part of our team.”
Trouba’s confidence appears to be building. He has become more confident on the ice, and he’s becoming more vocal, Wheeler said.
“It’s been awesome,” he said. “He’s been really good for us this year. It’s been fun to watch him play. He’s been great this year. He’s in a great spot. He’s been great for us.”