Speculation: The Jacob Trouba deal is designed to facilitate a trade.

The Winnipeg Jets have just gotten a big deal done, signing restricted free agent Jacob Trouba to a two-year contract worth $6 million, but we believe it's a deal designed to facilitate a trade as soon as possible.

First the deal is back loaded with $2.5 million due this season and $3.5 million the following season, this is a very manageable contract, and significantly less money Trouba could have received on a long-term deal. The teams that have been rumored in the trade talks around Trouba will all benefit from a relatively small cap hit should this trade become reality.

Second it is undoubtedly in Winnipeg's best interest now to get this deal done before the trade deadline for the 2016-2017 season. In year two of this contract Trouba's value will drop significantly as every GM in the league will be aware that the Jets will be dealing from an incredibly weak position, with Trouba like to walk at the end of that term. If the Jets want a maximum return the time to make this deal is now.

We aren't alone here either, there is already rampant speculation regarding where Trouba will end up.

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Murray Pam of The Hockey News sees a deal to the Islanders in the future.

The NHL's Joe Yerdon believes the Red Wings need to pounce on him now.

ESPN's Craig Custance believes a trade is still the end goal here.

David Staples of the Edmonton Journal believes this contract was designed to make Trouba "priced to sell."

This story may have reached a conclusion in terms of the signing of a new deal, but there may still be another chapter to write, the question may just be a matter of how soon will it be written. A two year trial, while retaining his rights at the end of the deal(Trouba will still be a restricted free agent) at a very low price will be a highly intriguing proposition for teams who need defensive help.