It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. American Thanksgiving is just a few days away, but some teams may be in a trading mood. We’ve already seen some deals done, but more may be coming sooner rather than later. Teams are trying to make changes to their rosters and acquire assets. One team that may wheel and deal is the Columbus Blue Jackets. This edition of NHL rumours deals with one defenceman that could be moved soon.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Columbus Blue Jackets Looking to Deal Blueliner
Rumour: On Saturday night’s Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that teams are making their pitches to acquire David Jiricek.
Saturday Headlines — couple key bits here:
MIN frustrated and disappointed as Kaprizov will have MRI
This week, OHL approved an "aggressive" expansion. The developmental world begins major changehttps://t.co/iaGzlryhjY— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 24, 2024
Analysis: Columbus General Manager Don Waddell said that a decision would be made on the Czech youngster soon. Waddell did send Jiricek to was sent down to the AHL Cleveland Monsters to work on his game.
The 20-year-old has only played in six games and has one assist. He’s been a healthy scratch for most of the games this season. However, teams are trying to find a way to acquire the former sixth overall selection from the 2022 NHL Draft.
There’s plenty to like about Jiricek’s game, but it seems that he could benefit from a change of scenery. It would benefit both sides to make a deal happen and not let things linger.
Canadian Team Interested in Jiricek
Friedman mentions that the Edmonton Oilers seem to be interested in the young defenceman. However, he also mentions that there may not be a fit for the Klatovy, Czechia native.
According to Friedman, the Blue Jackets are looking for a young player similar in return. Edmonton may not have he match to make a trade happen.
The Oilers have been playing better as of late. However, there still needs to be some work done when it comes to their defence. Jiricek could be a low-cost option that would help their blueline group out. He currently makes $918,333 and is in the last year of his deal. The right-handed shot will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
What It Means
The Daily Faceoff had Jiricek listed in eighth on their top 15 trade board. Jiricek was hoping for a fresh start with new head coach Dean Evason, but that hasn’t worked out. Evason did recently say that the Czech had to earn his minutes.
However, Jiricek has been scratched in favour of players like Jack Johnson, Dante Fabbro and Jake Christiansen. This doesn’t seem like a player that has a path to get sustained minutes with the team.
Columbus does think highly of the youngster, but it’s looking like their styles aren’t matching up. The best thing to do is to make a deal and get Jiricek to a place where he can get sustained minutes and a clear path to an NHL roster spot. There will be no shortage of suitors for the young blueliner.
Main photo by: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
