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This article was published 1/2/2017 (1322 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas — The physical signs are obvious: the monster hit, a big shot or the accurate outlet pass.

Jacob Trouba’s coming of age on the Winnipeg Jets blue line has been one of the best stories of the team’s 2016-17 season, but a crucial element of the 22-year-old’s emergence has been under the radar.

Kelvin Kuo / The Associated Press Files One of the best stories of the Winnipeg Jets' 2016-17 season has been Jacob Trouba’s coming of age on the blue line.

If you watch his play closely, it’s clear he has developed a better understanding of the game. Defending effectively in the NHL is not just about physical dominance.

"I think I’ve learned more about how I need to play, personally," Trouba said after practice Wednesday in a suburb of Dallas.

"Every player needs to find their way, somehow. To know what makes him good. I think it all starts with my legs, it’s something that I’ve really keyed on.

"Whether it’s in the D-zone or the offensive zone, getting up in the play. It all starts with my legs. Maybe a little bit just getting older and wiser."

Trouba was Winnipeg’s best player in a 5-3 win Tuesday over the Blues in St. Louis.

He logged 24 minutes, 53 seconds of ice time, scored the game-winning goal on one of his five shots, dished out two hits and played a large role in neutralizing Blues sniper Vladimir Tarasenko during the third period. After the game, Winnipeg head coach Paul Maurice gushed about the physical improvement Trouba has shown since missing the start of the season due to a contract impasse.

Maurice went a step further Wednesday, describing a player who has a better grasp of the nuances of the position.

"All of this comes with confidence and rhythm," said the coach. "So he’s playing more, he’s in a good rhythm. Some of that is experience — his reads are better. (He knows) when to drive at a player, when to give ice and, for a defenceman, that sometimes takes years to develop."

The level of play is also a vindication for Trouba, who, as a right-handed shot, cited a desire to play on the right side as a major reason he issued a trade demand, then stayed away from training camp and missed Winnipeg’s first 15 games before signing a two-year, US$6-million contact.

Maurice was intending to use Trouba on the left side this season, but a long-term injury to veteran Tylers Myers, another righty, created an opportunity Trouba has seized. Moving Trouba back to the left side for any reason now seems like a ridiculous notion and locking him into a long-term contract extension should be a top priority for general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.

(Trouba is due to become a restricted free agent after the 2017-18 season and becomes eligible for salary arbitration at the end of 2016-17.)

Trouba said his comfort level and improved decision-making have developed from a wide range of influences on the squad — teammates and coaches.

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"A lot of people," said Trouba, who has four goals and 21 points in 38 games this season and is on pace to establish a career high for points. "(Defence partner) Toby (Enstrom). I think watching the older guys, I think even Buff (Dustin Byfuglien) at times. I think everyone’s really had a hand in it, I can’t really single out any one person."

All of which adds up to a more-instinctive player, able to react more quickly to situations as they develop.

"So when he’s decided go now to close a gap, there’s no hesitation and he gets there big and strong and a lot of times the guy ends up on his butt," said Maurice. "His stick is really good in those situations, so there’s less uncertainty in his game... that’s the quickness of the game, not faster, it makes him quicker and then his power and strength really makes him effective finishing the deal."

A newer part of Trouba’s repertoire shows when he carries the puck from behind his net, cutting sharply with a forechecker in hot pursuit and sling-shotting himself up ice. On Tuesday, he ably used the net as a screen and safely carried the puck out of danger in that fashion.

"The number of times he’s used the back of the net, got the guy on his hip and been able to come out with three strides and create separation — not a lot of guys can do that," said Maurice.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @sawa14