David Jiricek Trade Expected Soon as Insider Signals Imminent Deal

David Jiricek is a 20-year-old right-shooting defenseman hailing from the Czech Republic, the first-round draft choice of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.

Despite his brilliance and getting points in the American Hockey League, which shows an adaptation to the North American game, his future with the Blue Jackets is still a question.

There is a thought that word of Jiricek's status could come as early as tonight.

There are reports his name is beginning to pop up in trade talks, and Columbus may not be opposed to dealing him. The Blue Jackets are deep on the blueline and may look to fill more pressing needs up front.

Trading a player with the potential that Jiricek has most certainly raises some eyebrows; it does continue a trend throughout the NHL where deals involving younger prospects are utilized to fast-track development.

Two teams that have surfaced for Jiricek as the frontrunners are the Edmonton Oilers and the Nashville Predators.

The Edmonton Oilers want to shore up a presently shaky blue line and project Jiricek as likely to jump into their top four after they lost Philip Broberg in an offer sheet to the Blues.

The Preds, meanwhile, want to add to the defensive depth they need to continue to be competitive in the ultra-competitive Central after having a miserable start to their season this year.

The Jackets are currently utilizing Jiricek in the AHL, where he has been able to showcase his skills so that full value could be extracted in a trade, as they continue to build up the defenceman's hype. He played a few games this season with the big club where he showed his true value in flashes.

This remains a fluid situation because, in the end, a trade of Jiricek dramatically changes things for all concerned teams.