So he's good enough to be in the NHL, yet still not good enough to be on the Jets roster. if he was actually good enough to play, he would be. Since he's not, we end up helping the Jets get value for a guy they would lose for nothing. Not going to help the Jets upgrade in D and get value for a player they could lose for nothing.
Again, he's waiver exempt, so your facts are wrong. We're not losing him for free, nor do we not risk losing anyone else for free if we were to waive someone.
"Not helping" a team because of, reasons, is one of the most dumb arguments there are. You do what's best for your own team. If you ever want to win, you have to beat any four teams in the playoffs, and which four you end up facing, you have no control over that. When you're getting pummeled by the Sharks, do you think "at least the Jets didn't get a good return for Trouba!" or "damn, we really need more good forwards, we're not looking good"? Based on your posts, it's the former, but each to their own, I guess.
If Minnesota was to call and offer Scandella or Brodin for Trouba, I seriously consider taking that offer. We get better, so does Minnesota. Well, our other option is to continue rolling with what we have, and given the results so far, I'd rather not do that. Minnesota doesn't lose that much, they just continue their good form without changing anything. If we do the trade, we benefit more than Minnesota. Therefore, it's something I'd do.
The offer which has been posted many times is Lindholm(long term)+Stoner for Dano+Trouba(bridged). Do you realize that you are currently rolling with many poor players in your forward lines, and don't have Lindholm in the roster? How is it better to continue like that, compared to actually having a top pairing guy, one less cap dump and a cost controlled forward with room to grow?