The silent war between NHL general managers has a new chapter, and this time, Bill Guerin has taken over Kent Hughes.
The Minnesota Wild have just finalized a trade to acquire David Jiricek, the defenseman selected 6th overall by the Blue Jackets in 2022.
In return for Jiricek and a fifth-round pick, the Blue Jackets receive Damon Hunt, a 2025 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and a fourth-round pick.
A price which, although substantial, seems entirely reasonable for a player of Jiricek’s caliber.
This 19-year-old defender, selected sixth overall in 2022, is already seen as a potential pillar for the NHL and would have filled a glaring need in the Montreal organization.
This transaction marks a significant setback for Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, who are also desperate to build a defensive squad capable of competing with the best in the league.
David Jiricek represents everything CH could hope for in a defender: young, right-handed, mobile and blessed with rare hockey intelligence.
With Brock Faber already firmly entrenched in the Wild organization, Guerin has not only strengthened his team, he has positioned Minnesota as a benchmark for defensive development on the right side.
This strategic move once again shows Guerin’s ability to act quickly and effectively on the market.
Kent Hughes, for his part, could be losing his footing in a race where every second counts.
While the CH is banking on defenders like Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher to solidify its future, the Jiricek-Faber transaction highlights a brutal truth: the Canadiens cannot afford to drag on their rebuilding process.
The loss of this opportunity highlights the challenges Hughes faces in remaining competitive in a market where defensive talent is scarce and expensive.
For Guerin, it’s a victory that goes beyond simply acquiring a promising player. It sends a clear message to the league: Minnesota is serious, not just for today, but for years to come.
With Jiricek and Faber, the Wild are arming themselves with one of the most promising defensive backbones on the circuit. The comparison with the Shea Weber-PK Subban duo of the good years in Montreal is not exaggerated, but it hurts when we realize that Hughes was unable to take advantage of such an opportunity.
This transaction also raises questions for Canadians. If Hughes knew Jiricek was available, why wasn’t he more aggressive?
Was the asking price too high, or was it just Guerin who played his cards better?
Regardless, CH fans, already frustrated by a lack of tangible progress, will see this news as another missed opportunity to fill a glaring need.
It is still early to judge the impact of this transaction, but one thing is certain: Bill Guerin has further strengthened his reputation as one of the best architects in hockey.
Kent Hughes, for his part, will have to redouble his efforts to show that he can compete in a league where bold moves make all the difference.
For now, the verdict is clear. In this DG duel, Guerin won a resounding victory.
As for Hughes, he will have to find a way to respond quickly, otherwise the Habs will remain stuck in an endless reconstruction.
Amen
