Rumor: David Jiricek available

[Fjordy]

Just an idea, but with BUF also apparently looking for a shakeup, and considering their needs at RD:

Jiricek + Sillinger/DBB for Byram + Kulich/Ostlund?

Byram can take Provorov's spot when he gets subsequently moved this year.

Still think keeping Jiricek makes the most sense, but if he HAS to go, for whatever reason...

Doesn't make sense for Buffalo. Byram play is in first pair and plays very well, Jiricek is not NHL ready yet. We need to add a top 4 RD to the lineup right now, not trade Byram or it will be another hole.

I feel like BUF needs a veteran RHD. Jiricek not a great fit for them. They should be after a Carlo or Parayko type.

Jiricek is interesting, but as a top 4 RD in the future. And yes, we need to add a top 4 RD here and now, the problem is that there are almost no options.

 

[jfhabs]

I thought about Mailloux. But, and I know I'll be in the minority here, I legit think Mailloux is a better player. The negative PR stench around Mailloux aside... the kid is a stud.

I feel you, I don't think Mailloux is bad either. I think he really has top 4 upside, however I think Jiricek's is higher. Considering he wants to leave, that trade off wouldn't be too bad for Columbus.

You need to give to get.

Now I just read Columbus is looking at a 1st+prospect. I'd consider the FLA/CGY 1st. That pick is 22 overall right now and there's a really strong chance it ends up being Calgary's pick, in the teens. Not sure what they would be expecting as the '+' prospect. Maybe Filip Mesar.

 

[oilers4life5]

Edmontons first plus what gets us in the conversation?

 

[Empoleon8771]

Edmontons first plus what gets us in the conversation?

Edmonton doesn't have a 1st this year, so it would have to be a 2026 1st. Can't imagine that competes with other offers.

 

[Artaud]

I thought about Mailloux. But, and I know I'll be in the minority here, I legit think Mailloux is a better player. The negative PR stench around Mailloux aside... the kid is a stud.

Mailloux is braindead defensively. If the Jackets want Mailloux+, Kent Hughes would be a fool not to pony up. RD for RD, seems like a tough sell to just downgrade prospects.

With regards to the Habs, I imagine a lot of groundwork was already done this summer in the Laine trade. A guy that could be interesting here is Kirby Dach, assuming the Jackets see him as a winger. He needs a(nother) change of scenery.

 

[Aaaarrgghh]

I feel you, I don't think Mailloux is bad either. I think he really has top 4 upside, however I think Jiricek's is higher. Considering he wants to leave, that trade off wouldn't be too bad for Columbus.

You need to give to get.

Now I just read Columbus is looking at a 1st+prospect. I'd consider the FLA/CGY 1st. That pick is 22 overall right now and there's a really strong chance it ends up being Calgary's pick, in the teens. Not sure what they would be expecting as the '+' prospect. Maybe Filip Mesar.

A 1st as in MTL's 1st, such a late pick as CGY's makes absolutely zero sense for Columbus. Waddell wants an offer he can't refuse or he'll gladly wait, simply the best offer available right now won't do it.

 

[Qwijibo]

A 1st as in MTL's 1st, such a late pick as CGY's makes absolutely zero sense for Columbus. Waddell wants an offer he can't refuse or he'll gladly wait, simply the best offer available right now won't do it.

Montreal isn't going to offer up thier own first. That's just insanity

 

[Baksfamous112]

Mailloux is braindead defensively. If the Jackets want Mailloux+, Kent Hughes would be a fool not to pony up. RD for RD, seems like a tough sell to just downgrade prospects.

With regards to the Habs, I imagine a lot of groundwork was already done this summer in the Laine trade. A guy that could be interesting here is Kirby Dach, assuming the Jackets see him as a winger. He needs a(nother) change of scenery.

Kirby has been horrible this year but I’m not sure Montreal can afford to move on form him. We are already thin with offensive talent.

A 1st as in MTL's 1st, such a late pick as CGY's makes absolutely zero sense for Columbus. Waddell wants an offer he can't refuse or he'll gladly wait, simply the best offer available right now won't do it.

Why would Montreal give up a top 5 pick for Jiricek of all people? Make it make sense.

 

[Aaaarrgghh]

Montreal isn't going to offer up thier own first. That's just insanity

That's fine. I say that because Aaron Portzline mentioned CBJ opening up for 1st rounders as a way to let teams like Pittsburgh, who have no relevant prospects, into the negotiations. Pittsburgh's pick, you'll notice, is in the same ball park as Montréal's.

Why would Montreal give up a top 5 pick for Jiricek of all people? Make it make sense.

CBJ have no incentive to simply take the best available offer unless it's a really good offer. If Montréal don't want to pay that, then Columbus will ride it out with Jiricek.

 

[kvladimir]

I feel like BUF needs a veteran RHD. Jiricek not a great fit for them. They should be after a Carlo or Parayko type.

Fair. Perhaps they do this, then look for a move like that involving Jokiharju, or another forward?

 

[HabsAddict]

Mailman?

We won't need a Potamkian trade where we ship out a high potential young RHD to get a young RHD who has already kicked at the barn door.

Mailman went to the NHL and put up a 4 point game, Jirick has barely distinguished himself in the AHL.

Mailman was top 3 scoring as defenseman last year and now scoring at over point per game. Jirick?

I don't mind Jirick for our late first and a Mesar, but absolutely not giving up more then we get back because some in here think that GMs job is NHL2000.

 

[Baksfamous112]

CBJ have no incentive to simply take the best available offer unless it's a really good offer. If Montréal don't want to pay that, then Columbus will ride it out with Jiricek.

Top 5 pick for Jiricek isn’t just a « really good offer » it’s a completely unrealistic ask.

I totally get wanting a good return for Jiricek but we’ve already seen the shift in the ask from a « similar talent level » player to a « first and prospect(s) » which gives you a good idea of what Jiricek value is.

You don’t get to pick a guy #6 and ask for a do-over two and a half years later after it didn’t worked out.

 

[Aaaarrgghh]

Top 5 pick for Jiricek isn’t just a « really good offer » it’s a completely unrealistic ask.

I totally get wanting a good return for Jiricek but we’ve already seen the shift in the ask from a « similar talent level » player to a « first and prospect(s) » which gives you a good idea of what Jiricek value is.

You don’t get to pick a guy #6 and ask for a do-over two and a half years later after it didn’t worked out.

I would make the exact same* argument on your position. I'm saying that I think that this is not something that Waddell needs to get done now. He doesn't have to move Jiricek, but is seeing what the market value is.

With that said, I can certainly be wrong. This is my interpretation of events as a CBJ fan. I will say that if the Jackets trade Jiricek for a late 1st round pick and an unexciting prospect now, the honeymoon phase with Waddell will certainly be over.

*Well, at least a similar one.

 

[Jee]

Zzz

 

[3074326]

Top 5 pick for Jiricek isn’t just a « really good offer » it’s a completely unrealistic ask.

I totally get wanting a good return for Jiricek but we’ve already seen the shift in the ask from a « similar talent level » player to a « first and prospect(s) » which gives you a good idea of what Jiricek value is.

You don’t get to pick a guy #6 and ask for a do-over two and a half years later after it didn’t worked out.

Ok, no trade to Montreal then?

You don’t get to dictate what other teams do.

 

[Qwijibo]

That's fine. I say that because Aaron Portzline mentioned CBJ opening up for 1st rounders as a way to let teams like Pittsburgh, who have no relevant prospects, into the negotiations. Pittsburgh's pick, you'll notice, is in the same ball park as Montréal's.

CBJ have no incentive to simply take the best available offer unless it's a really good offer. If Montréal don't want to pay that, then Columbus will ride it out with Jiricek.

I think there's middle ground between a top 3 pick or no deal

 

[Peter Griffin]

Hronek out potentially long term, does Vancouver re-enter the discussion?

 

[Baksfamous112]

I would make the exact same argument on your position. I'm saying that I think that this is not something that Waddell needs to get done now. He doesn't have to move Jiricek, but is seeing what the market value is.

With that said, I can certainly be wrong. This is my interpretation of events as a CBJ fan. I will say that if the Jackets trade Jiricek for a late 1st round pick and an unexciting prospect now, the honeymoon phase with Waddell will certainly be over.

It’s hard to say without all the details. Maybe Waddell feel Jiricek doesn’t have what it takes to be a top 4/top pairing and wants to move on before it’s too late? Maybe Jiricek asked for a trade? Maybe this is all blown out of proportion and nothing will get done?

It’s really hard to say without all the information. I do know one thing - This isn’t on Waddell and mostly all on the player. Waddell is stuck with a hot potato and he is probably trying to make the best out the situation.

As for the return, I agree with you that a late first and a prospect isn’t enticing to Columbus. I wouldn’t be excited either.

From a Montreal point of view, I just don’t see what could make sense. I don’t think he’s a realistic trade for us unless Hughes feels like Mailloux would be better off elsewhere.

Ok, no trade to Montreal then?

You don’t get to dictate what other teams do.

I’m literally just saying what’s being thrown around by various insider in the past 72 hours. What are you even talking about?

If you feel that strongly about Jiricek, pony up Pittsburgh 1st, that’ll show em.

 

[jfhabs]

A 1st as in MTL's 1st, such a late pick as CGY's makes absolutely zero sense for Columbus. Waddell wants an offer he can't refuse or he'll gladly wait, simply the best offer available right now won't do it.

Yeah good luck with that.

That's not what Chris Johnston is reporting : '' CBJ will consider a pick & prospect package now. & feeling is it will happen soon. ''

Doesn't sound like he wants to wait and be very patient...

Jiricek is not returning a top 5 pick or equivalent value and I love the kid. 2022 was a weak class and he was picked 6th.

2nd point, you think Calgary is making the playoffs?

 

[Canucks LB]

Watch for Canucks to suddenly jump back in with the injury to Hronek

 

[McShogun99]

Edmonton doesn't have a 1st this year, so it would have to be a 2026 1st. Can't imagine that competes with other offers.

I think there was a trade stipulation that Edmonton can trade this years 1st but then Philly will get next years 1st with no lottery protection.

 

[jfhabs]

Ok, no trade to Montreal then?

You don’t get to dictate what other teams do.

We don't get to dictate what any team does including our own

 

[Kaners PPGs]

Top 5 pick for Jiricek isn’t just a « really good offer » it’s a completely unrealistic ask.

I totally get wanting a good return for Jiricek but we’ve already seen the shift in the ask from a « similar talent level » player to a « first and prospect(s) » which gives you a good idea of what Jiricek value is.

You don’t get to pick a guy #6 and ask for a do-over two and a half years later after it didn’t worked out.

Great post. When a team is actively shopping a recently-drafted prospect that's had disagreements with playing time with two regimes, it's safe to say that player's value has decreased. The best thing CBJ has going for them is the value of RHD and the tools Jiricek possesses. The Askarov return is a pretty good comp- a lower 1st and a prospect. No way is Columbus getting Montreal or Pittsburgh's own 1st round pick. I could see Minnesota or Vancouver trading their 1st and a prospect. Question is how good of a prospect. This is an interesting one.

 

[Aaaarrgghh]

I think there's middle ground between a top 3 pick or no deal

Sure, put a top 3 protection on it.

It’s hard to say without all the details. Maybe Waddell feel Jiricek doesn’t have what it takes to be a top 4/top pairing and wants to move on before it’s too late? Maybe Jiricek asked for a trade? Maybe this is all blown out of proportion and nothing will get done?

It’s really hard to say without all the information. I do know one thing - This isn’t on Waddell and mostly all on the player. Waddell is stuck with a hot potato and he is probably trying to make the best out the situation.

As for the return, I agree with you that a late first and a prospect isn’t enticing to Columbus. I wouldn’t be excited either.

From a Montreal point of view, I just don’t see what could make sense. I don’t think he’s a realistic trade for us unless Hughes feels like Mailloux would be better off elsewhere.

I’m literally just saying what’s being thrown around by various insider in the past 72 hours. What are you even talking about?

If you feel that strongly about Jiricek, pony up Pittsburgh 1st, that’ll show em.

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.

 

[Viqsi]

This is the worst take on the boards, and IMHO it's lazy. How many fans were screaming that Michkov should have been drafted 2nd in 2023 and Demidov 2nd in 2024? There are thousands of cases where the fans "were right" and NHL front offices were abysmal. It happens often.

Of course, the fans aren't always right, but in many cases, they are proven so. Why do we believe that the NHL fraternity, comprised of friends of friends and many old heads who spend hours on the lake or traveling the globe to make some appearances, are automatically correct and infallible?

Some fans spend every waking moment of free time obsessing over players, analyzing them, recognizing patterns, and researching the league. I've been this way since I was 7-8 years old and I'm over 50 now. And there are many like me... who spent tens of thousands of hours obsessing over this game... in many cases we can see clearly because we are not under pressure, aren't operating in a corporate echo chamber, and aren't responsible for balancing internal politics and the morale of head scouts, coaches, staff, personnel, and fans.

This is exactly why "unknown" entrepreneurs can run circles around established brands once they get the opportunity.

As for the Jackets specifically, if they were a dynasty or had an amazing track record of developing talent, it would be extremely hard to question their decisions. But, if we're being honest, evaluating them as an organization (try removing the fan glasses for a moment)... have they been historically great, good, average, or below average... all things considered?

I think you're giving these GMs and scouts too much credit... especially the GMs.

Ah yes. The reemergence of the old standard, "Columbus sucks therefore everything Columbus-related sucks and nobody associated with Columbus can ever know anything." Truly it is inevitable.

I think we can all understand the possibility of Minnesota deciding they're more confident in Wallstedt (or Rossi, or Buium, or Yurov, or whatever) than Jiricek and thus opting to not do such an exchange. That is a fair and reasonable take. Minnesota absolutely is not obligated to do that. But this "no actually Jiricek is objectively terrible and you're going to lose" kind of line is pretty much always bullshit and it gets tiring to see it and others like it trotted out over and over and over. Quit trade negging.