Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek is at the center of increasing trade speculation. League sources informed RG.org on Saturday that it’s “just a matter of time” before the 2022 sixth overall pick is traded.
The 6-foot-3 right-shot defenseman is currently playing for the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters after being recently demoted to the Blue Jackets’ minor-league affiliate.
When he was demoted last season, Jiricek expressed his disappointment with the move, as reported by The Athletic. However, Aaron Portzline notes that he has not requested a trade following his recent reassignment.
“I think eventually [he will be traded],” a source told RG. “They assigned him to the Monsters today (Wednesday). So, they probably still have a bit of hope. I think Waddell is covering his bases before a trade.”
Jiricek’s NHL career has been inconsistent, with 53 games played since his debut, including just six this season.
The Blue Jackets’ demotion of the 20-year-old to the minors is reasoned under the assumption that the blueliner will hone his defensive game facing weaker competition and rebuild his confidence.
However, insiders believe the move also doubles as a showcase for potential suitors.
“If you look at teams that want to upgrade their defense, the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators are potential landing spots,” the source told RG. “Both are interested in him, especially Edmonton, who is looking to replace Philip Broberg in their top four.”
The Oilers, in need of right-shot defensive help to replace Broberg, are a natural fit but face limitations in draft capital after trading their 2025 first-round pick.
Meanwhile, the Predators hold three first-round picks in the 2025 draft, giving them a significant advantage in negotiations. It’s fair to assume, based on that, that Nashville should have an edge over Edmonton in the Jiricek sweepstakes.
That’s also what Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes, reporting on Saturday that the Oilers won’t have enough to match Columbus’ valuation of Jiricek.
“Columbus is looking for a young player, similar, in return,” Friedman said appearing on “Saturday Headlines” and sharing his view on the situation. “I just don’t know that Edmonton has the match to make that kind of a deal.”
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