The San Jose Sharks have signed unrestricted free-agent defenseman Jacob Trouba to a four-year contract worth $33 million, the team announced Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Sharks General Manager Mike Grier confirmed the deal on the opening day of NHL free agency, locking in Trouba at an average annual value of $8.25 million.
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Veteran Presence for Young Core
Trouba, 32, spent the last season and a half with the Anaheim Ducks.
In the 2025-26 campaign, he recorded 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 81 games.
He led Anaheim defensemen with 149 blocked shots and tied for first in goals among blue-liners. Trouba also finished second in points, assists, and hits with 143.
The veteran averaged nearly 23 minutes of ice time per game last season.
He added one goal in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games, helping the Ducks reach the Second Round.
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Over his 906-game NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, and Ducks, Trouba has compiled 84 goals, 274 assists, and 701 penalty minutes.
The signing is part of an aggressive rebuild by Grier, who also secured forward Mason Marchment on a five-year contract Wednesday.
The Sharks are building around 19-year-old center Macklin Celebrini while adding seasoned players to insulate their young core.
Trouba brings a highly physical style of play and is expected to step into a top-four defensive role.
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According to PuckPedia, the Sharks still have over $31 million in salary cap space following the signing as they continue overhauling their roster for the 2026-27 season.
