For the fifth time this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled top prospect David Jiricek, this time by way of an emergency loan. In a corresponding roster move earlier in the day, the team loaned defenseman Jake Christiansen to their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.
It will be the second time in the last few weeks that Columbus has recalled Jiricek on an emergency loan, with the previous time coming on March 22. Infamously, Jiricek was called up too late for the Blue Jackets' away game against the Colorado Avalanche, causing him to miss that game.
The next day, Columbus returned Jiricek too late to the Monsters, causing him to miss an entire weekend’s worth of games for no apparent reason.
Nevertheless, Jiricek was still able to suit up in 36 games for the Blue Jackets earlier in the year, scoring one goal and nine points overall. At the AHL level, Jiricek has registered 27 games for Cleveland, scoring seven goals and 17 points.
In his lengthy stretch in Columbus this year, the team used him mostly as a bottom-pairing option, as he averaged under 15 minutes of ice time per night. Even though his production in the NHL has not been up to par compared to his AHL production, there is still every reason to believe that Jiricek has the makings of a legitimate top-pairing defenseman with enough opportunity.
Christiansen, on the other hand, has been far more productive for the Monsters this season in an established role. In 54 games, Christiansen has scored a solid 13 goals from the blue while also tallying 27 assists.
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