Rumor: David Jiricek available

[Beendair Donedat]

And we're not giving away our single best prospect for magic beans either.

It goes both ways.

I never claimed you would?

I don’t have much of an interest in David Jiricek, and certainly not to the tune of two first round picks and a guy who’s tracking to be our long term third line center.

My point was that the offer from the fellow Habs fan was far too much for a player who hasn’t proven anything yet.

 

[Aaaarrgghh]

I just want to clarify some things: that website is garbage. Portzline just expanded on something Waddell said in a press conference, which was that they are listening to calls on Jiricek, because, he said, he wouldn't be a good GM if he didn't. There is nothing new here, just the same old rumours. The difference is Portzline specified two teams that had called. Portzline also said that Jiricek had not asked for a trade.

Now, if they do trade Jiricek? Waddell has also stated what they are looking for. A young equivalent player, so comparable to an AHL All-Star in his early 20's. He has also clearly said that the price would be high. As a Blue Jackets fan, I would add a scenario where Jiricek is part of a package for a young star player, but Waddell has not mentioned that specifically.

 

[Canucks LB]

Find it interesting that anyone think he has as much value as Willander. I personally don’t want this cry baby on the Canucks unless he is a low cost and low risk acquisition. He should step up and prove himself and talk less.

No way I trade Willander for him.

I’m not going that far, but I do agree that he’s not as valuable as Willander, who is having a great season on both ends of the ice. Willander is going to be cheaper for longer, skates like the wind, and has size on top of it.

Jiricek, though, is a player I think would be a great building block for the Canucks. I’d be willing to part with a significant prospect for the chance to acquire him.

I’m not 100% sure what the Blue Jackets are looking for, but if they’re after a similar “star” prospect, I’d be somewhat reluctant yet willing to trade someone like Lekkerimaki for Jiricek.

On paper, I feel that’s fair considering Lekkerimaki is developing at a significant pace as a prospect, while Jiricek’s progression has slowed a bit. Both are considered high-end players.

If Columbus wants more of an NHL-ready package, maybe something like Hoglander and a first-round pick for Jiricek could work. That might fit their system better, giving them a good but occasionally frustrating player in Hoglander, who has huge potential to grow as a replacement.

 

[Canucks LB]

To keep things concise: I think about it like this.

The Canucks have Hughes and Hronek as a pairing locked in for the next half-decade.

They currently have Soucy under contract for another year after this one. While he’s struggling this season, he was excellent last year, so there’s potential for a rebound.

Myers is signed for the next three years as a veteran presence. With the cap increasing, sitting him when Jiricek and Willander are fully ready is manageable.

Brannstrom is almost guaranteed to be re-signed, considering how impressive he’s been for Vancouver this season.

Juulson is a plug, Forbort provides depth, and Desharnais is another depth option.

What does this all mean?

Here’s a look at Vancouver’s potential future if they gamble and make this move:

• Hughes - Hronek
• Brannstrom - Willander
• Soucy - Jiricek
• D-Petey - Myers

That’s a strong mix of youth, talent, depth, and size.