I don’t really get this Jiricek talk.
1. We have Willander.
2. We have Hronek.
3. Willander’s skating and defensive potential > Jiricek’s 5 on 5 liability concerns, poorer skater, and PP needs.
Jiricek’s potential as a big guy with offensive ability is nice, but unless we part ways with Hronek who’s basically developed as a top pair defenseman under us or we abandon Willander’s potential as an elite skating defensive backend, there’s no realistic succession for Jiricek here. And right now he doesn’t move the needle for us.
I used to be high on him, but his lack of growth defensively coupled with some grave concerns of his 5 on 5 game and entitlement issues is quite frankly off putting.
On the flip side, there’s zero chance Columbus lets him go for anything less than a 1st round pick and a solid prospect.
A bit of disagreement.
Willander hasn't signed yet, a and then it could be a couple of years needed for seasoning so it might be three years before he is seasoned enough. He might follow Jiricek' progress line.
Jiricek is now and might help THIS team immediately and for a decade if he is any good.
Not many fans/posters think that re-signing Hughes here is not a forgone conclusion but in the couch session skit with him they pointed out how tight his family is and that they all live together, with his brothers so there could be a real possibility of him leaving so having a potential immediate replacement already here and still subject to cap control may be smart. (There is also that snipped out interview comment by him right after his youngest brother was drafted about he can't wait until they all can play together, seen live then edited out)
Like Lekkerimaki, Tocchet has an aversion to younger inexperienced players, that assumes Tocchet will still be here
I remember Juloevi was going to be "Willander" that was a flop but Willander might not be as good as the hype.
It's obvious management wants a WIN NOW team, pretty much at all costs Jiricek at least looks a little to the future and right now.
During Benning's time here the team had loads or "promising prospects" but almost none played a single NHL game, but there was the hype for hope.
I do think both Lekkerimaki and Willander will play in the NHL but maybe not for Tocchet right away.
Jiricek is also buried behind some big contracts as well so not much NHL icetime. Broberg was buried that way as well and he has been a pleasant surprise for St Louis.
