As you know, defenseman David Jiricek is on the market.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to trade their right-handed defenseman and there are several teams lining up. This is normal: his toolbox is very well stocked.
At this point, according to Chris Johnston, Columbus is determined to trade him and it would be relatively imminent. And several teams are worth watching… including the Montreal Canadiens.
The Wild are considered the leader in the file, but at least eight teams would have their noses in the file. Nashville, Vancouver, Pittsburgh and Philly were also cited.
It can change quickly.
What will be interesting to see is to what extent there will be one-upmanship. After all, initially the Blue Jackets wanted a top prospect (or youngster) against his services, considering Jiricek is one.
But there, Columbus would be open to moving against a package. Prospects, youngsters, picks and established guys would be at stake, then.
At 21 years old, at 6’4 and as a right-handed defenseman who was drafted sixth overall in 2022, the Czech has the profile of a rarely available guy. The many changes in Columbus push him towards the exit.
But clearly, the potential is there.
I don’t know to what extent the CH is at the heart of the matter because it is difficult to say exactly who is available or who is not in Montreal for such a player. But CH really needs a defender like that for the future.
Being Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, I would take the matter seriously. And without doing everything to seek him out, I would make a good effort to be in the race for his services.
In burst
– Good point.
– Happy retirement.
– Hum.
– Oh.
Canada
