Sure, put a top 3 protection on it.
Well, here are some facts:
- Jiricek has explicitly not requested a trade.
- Teams have been told that they don't have anything of interest
- Waddell had him in the NHL line-up because he thought Jiricek looked amazing in the AHL and wanted to give him all the chance in the world to crack the NHL line-up.
- Both Waddell and Evason say that Jiricek took his demotion well.
- Waddell has said that he will consider a trade if the right offer comes along, if it helps the team.
In my opinion, unless another GM goes crazy for Jiricek, he will remain with Columbus for the time being. That does not mean he never gets moved. But I don't see how moving someone who one year ago was near-universally considered one of the best RHD prospects in hockey for a package around a late 1st round draft pick benefits Columbus.