NHL Rumors: David Jiricek Trade Coming Soon?

Several teams are in the running for David Jiricek. They include the Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, and potentially the Philadelphia Flyers. One team it is not is the Vancouver Canucks. Seravalli confirmed that rumor during his appearance on Monday.

Jiricek will turn 21 on November 28th and has just played six games with the Blue Jackets this season. The 6th overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft has played in a total of 53 games, including 43 games last season. He has 11 points in 53 games, including just one point this season.

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He is currently in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters, looking to gain confidence and more playing time. On Sunday night, Jiricek scored the game-winning overtime goal for the Monsters.

Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell has been exploring the trade market for David Jiricek. As Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reported, the Jackets want to add some firepower up front. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet added that they are looking for a player similar to Jiricek, who needs a change of scenery and has been in and out of the lineup.

As mentioned on the Full Press Hockey Podcast, David Calabretta thought the Seattle Kraken made sense because Shane Wright needs a change of scenery, a one-for-one swap. Calabretta also said the Montreal Canadiens would be a pipedream. But they do make sense because they need a right-shot defenseman.

Pagnotta also mentioned the Anaheim Ducks as a team that could fit the bill as players looking for a change of scenery. In addition, Aaron Portzline of the Athletic mentions that Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas was in Cleveland Sunday night to watch the game. But as Seravalli mentioned on Monday night, there are offers on the table. They have five or six deals they are going over.

Jiricek is in the second year of his entry-level deal. While the Blue Jackets are only three points back of a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference with a 9-9-2 record, it is in the team’s best interest to move the player to help bolster an area of weakness.

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