Confirmed Trade: [MIN/CBJ] David Jiricek, 2025 5th round pick for Daemon Hunt, 2025 1st round pick, 2027 2nd round pick, 2026 3rd and 4th round picks

[SteelCityCannon]

So light those assets on fire and let anyone who doesn't want to be there all you have to do is ask and Waddell will cut his own throat to make it happen.

This is such a mornic take. How is getting half a draft and a decent prospect for Jiricek lighting assets on fire. You're putting wayyyyy too much value on Jiricek and Laine.

 

[57special]

Massive overpay dudes done nothing

Tell me how many 20 yo's have done something.

 

[Stealth JD]

I think Waddell did about as well as he could; nobody was going to give him a blue-chip prospect for a guy whose development has stalled. So what if Jiricek was a former 6th OA? He’s a depreciating asset unlikely to reach the heights of his original perceived upside. The fact that Columbus could flip him for a 1st AT ALL, let alone with a 2nd, 3rd, 4th and a player who may already be better than Jiricek is a quite impressive.

Minnesota is betting they can get more out of Jiricek than he’s shown to this point, maybe they’ll be right, but they can afford to be patient whereas Columbus no longer could or else they risk his value going to nothing in the next two years. CBJ now has five assets to work with rather than watching their previous pick continue to tumble down the side of a mountain.

 

[57special]

Sorry, lost me at "agility". He has a lot of tools but the two biggest that really need work are the killers for NHL defensemen. Skating ability and defensive IQ. He may build those in time but from all the reports in Columbust the last three years he has not improved and has, in fact, regressed. The questions about him wanting to be given a spot and not earn it tells me he needs a reboot and kick in the ass. Maybe this is a wakeup call and he has a new opportunity to reach his potential. What I think several lose sight of in Columbus was they drafted 4 big, mobile defensemen in last years draft and I don't think that was a coincidence with the system they were planning to build. Jiricek wasn't likely to get to where they needed him and he wasn't able to take ice time from Harris or Jack Johnson. That's...not good.

This doesn't mean he sucks or is a bust but the flags are significant and the longer it went it's possible it only lowered other's view of him. Unfortunate for CBJ and maybe a great option for the Wild.

He was drafted in 2022.
Not denying that the guy needs developing, but so do most prospects, especially big gangly D. The guy needs to get stronger, which will help his balance, agility, and skating. If he is willing to work hard, it can be done. My worry, as a Wild fan, is that he might be one of those guys who doesn't "get it", and doesn't understand that he isn't good enough right now. Maybe this trade, and some wise words in his ear from his own camp, will get him back on the right track.

 

[Silky mitts]

I saw Jiricek in an AHL game last year and I wouldn’t want my team matching the Wild’s offer, people are acting like late 1sts are trash

 

[SteelCityCannon]

He was drafted in 2022.
Not denying that the guy needs developing, but so do most prospects, especially big gangly D. The guy needs to get stronger, which will help his balance, agility, and skating. If he is willing to work hard, it can be done. My worry, as a Wild fan, is that he might be one of those guys who doesn't "get it", and doesn't understand that he isn't good enough right now. Maybe this trade, and some wise words in his ear from his own camp, will get him back on the right track.

I think he's absolutely fixable for the most part, but this should be your biggest concern. He thinks he's deserving of an NHL spot and he's been absolutely brutal. Can't do anything in the NHL. He has massive room to grow and he's going to have the right situation, but at the end of the day you have to be willing to work too.

 

[Obvious Fabertism]

He was drafted in 2022.
Not denying that the guy needs developing, but so do most prospects, especially big gangly D. The guy needs to get stronger, which will help his balance, agility, and skating. If he is willing to work hard, it can be done. My worry, as a Wild fan, is that he might be one of those guys who doesn't "get it", and doesn't understand that he isn't good enough right now. Maybe this trade, and some wise words in his ear from his own camp, will get him back on the right track.

Trade plus the Wild’s locker room culture should do wonders for his motivation level. Then when you consider the team style and systems, it’s hard not to be excited as a Wild fan. He brings an element that we have been lacking since the Dumba injury with his booming point shot.

Big guys, and D men just take longer, need a lot of strength and practice to find your edges consistently at NHL paces. Even a guy like Boldy struggled with the skating pace and balance needed until really the last year ish.

The Wild are filled to the brim now and in the future with sublime skating D men, there is room for someone a little weaker in that regard but brings other elements like shooting and net front presence.

Bogosian is the obvious template for him on this roster and finding short term success, Jiricek lacks the vet savviness but brings a shot that should be quite impactful right out of the gate. The Wild are very strong as a team on puck retrievals and getting their D men opportunities to unleash from the point, it’s a friendly place to start his career IMO.

 

[TheDawnOfANewTage]

I’m outta the loop, why this happen?

 

[57special]

Trade plus the Wild’s locker room culture should do wonders for his motivation level. Then when you consider the team style and systems, it’s hard not to be excited as a Wild fan. He brings an element that we have been lacking since the Dumba injury with his booming point shot.

Big guys, and D men just take longer, need a lot of strength and practice to find your edges consistently at NHL paces. Even a guy like Boldy struggled with the skating pace and balance needed until really the last year ish.

The Wild are filled to the brim now and in the future with sublime skating D men, there is room for someone a little weaker in that regard but brings other elements like shooting and net front presence.

Bogosian is the obvious template for him on this roster and finding short term success, Jiricek lacks the vet savviness but brings a shot that should be quite impactful right out of the gate. The Wild are very strong as a team on puck retrievals and getting their D men opportunities to unleash from the point, it’s a friendly place to start his career IMO.

If the guy follows Rossi's example then he will be fine, but i think that Rossi is a special guy, character wise. We'll see about Jiricek.
I disagree about Faber. He looked vg as soon as he hit the NHL. Last season he was on an island in many games, with Spurgeon out, and Brodin missing games ... even then his skating was very strong and his strength fine, nvm his ability to process the game. Sounds like Jiricek skates more like Merrill, and even that might be flattering him. I am expecting a guy who is worse than Merrill defensively, better offensively. Not saying he won't improve, but i am saying that there is work to do- a lot of work.

 

[Obvious Fabertism]

If the guy follows Rossi's example then he will be fine, but i think that Rossi is a special guy, character wise. We'll see about Jiricek.
I disagree about Faber. He looked vg as soon as he hit the NHL. Last season he was on an island in many games, with Spurgeon out, and Brodin missing games ... even then his skating was very strong and his strength fine, nvm his ability to process the game. Sounds like Jiricek skates more like Merrill, and even that might be flattering him. I am expecting a guy who is worse than Merrill defensively, better offensively. Not saying he won't improve, but i am saying that there is work to do- a lot of work.

I might have missed something about the Faber point but agree, he is in the sublime category and way above my expectations for Jiricek as a player.

I don’t think Rossi is unique on this team, it’s a culture with this young crew to put in the work. I know Rossi got the press for missing his sisters wedding and Olympic qualifiers for Austria to train in MN, but he was doing that training with Boldy, Faber, Ohgren and other young guys. Faber just last season talked about how much of the offensive game Addison helped him with during those sessions. Even Merrill spent last summer training with them and it clearly helped his game massively to get back to respectable.

Jiricek is joining a good group of people, it should be a great opportunity for him to see the effort needed to be successful in this league. That’s not to speak poorly of CBJ, but a fresh start is often a spark for people to take that leap forward.

 

[SteelCityCannon]

Jiricek is joining a good group of people, it should be a great opportunity for him to see the effort needed to be successful in this league. That’s not to speak poorly of CBJ, but a fresh start is often a spark for people to take that leap forward.

I mean, contrary to the tragedy this off-season, Ive never seen the Jackets as tight as they are as a team. I've never seen the buy in im seeing now with our team. They're punching above their weight(when they ain't playing the damn wild ). I know that's not what you were getting at, but I think they key is going to be finding someone that can motivate him to want to work on his flaws.

I agree that's he's another classic "needs a change of scenery" guy.

 

[Ciao]

Pretty hard to evaluate this trade.

A lot of unknown quantities here, beginning with David Jiricek. What kind of player will he be? Not yet known.

Maybe both sides are happy with what they've acquired.

 

[TS Quint]

This is such a mornic take. How is getting half a draft and a decent prospect for Jiricek lighting assets on fire. You're putting wayyyyy too much value on Jiricek and Laine.

Laine had less than no value. He's a guy capable of 40 goals. It literally (actual proper use of the word) couldnt have been a worse time.

What do you see Jiricek developing into over the time the Wild have control of him?

Maybe this is Jiricek's peak value. I still see the point being, you can't just let players out of Columbus just because they asked. It's bad business for a market like that.

 

[Obvious Fabertism]

I mean, contrary to the tragedy this off-season, Ive never seen the Jackets as tight as they are as a team. I've never seen the buy in im seeing now with our team. They're punching above their weight(when they ain't playing the damn wild ). I know that's not what you were getting at, but I think they key is going to be finding someone that can motivate him to want to work on his flaws.

I agree that's he's another classic "needs a change of scenery" guy.

Yep, I think Dean has carried over some of that culture to Columbus, and I am pretty confident in Guerin and the staff to push the right buttons with Jiricek. But it’s also the players here that should help him, Spurgeon is a top tier captain when it comes to the people side of things, and team cohesion the past several years has been remarkable. Should be an easy transition in that regard for the young man.

 

[57special]

I mean, contrary to the tragedy this off-season, Ive never seen the Jackets as tight as they are as a team. I've never seen the buy in im seeing now with our team. They're punching above their weight(when they ain't playing the damn wild ). I know that's not what you were getting at, but I think they key is going to be finding someone that can motivate him to want to work on his flaws.

I agree that's he's another classic "needs a change of scenery" guy.

I think you guys are on the right path with Waddell and Dean. Just have to rise above some bad luck this year. I think you are in one of the more hopeful rebuilds.

 

[thestonedkoala]

The best piece of this trade is Hunt. He'll be an NHLer but was blocked.

The most valuable piece is Jiricek and it is to be seen if he hits his potential. He doesn't need to be a top pairing. It being a top four would solidify Minnesota defense.

This might be one of those rare win win trades that Minnesota is actually good at pulling off

Columbus gets a lot of pieces for a rebuild and a good depth NHLer in Hunt that maybe traded later for more pieces. Minnesota gets a boom or bust prospect that aligns with their age and team and shores up their biggest hole.

 

[gary559]

I actually like this trade for both sides. Columbus bobbled his development a little and this is a good recovery move. Minnesota potentially lands a #1D for years to come.

 

[boredmale]

I don't feel like going through 17 pages but did Columbus want to trade David Jiricek? Or was this just a case Minnesota gave up to good an offer they couldn't refuse or maybe they have so many RHD they figured he was expendable?

 

[57special]

Yep, I think Dean has carried over some of that culture to Columbus, and I am pretty confident in Guerin and the staff to push the right buttons with Jiricek. But it’s also the players here that should help him, Spurgeon is a top tier captain when it comes to the people side of things, and team cohesion the past several years has been remarkable. Should be an easy transition in that regard for the young man.

Also think that even Jiricek will realize that he isn't going to supplant Faber or Spurgeon, and sooner or later someone will take Jiricek aside and say, "See Bogosian, that guy you are trying to beat out for minutes? He was a 3rd overall pick. Faber was a 2nd rounder, and spent three years in college after being drafted. Spurgeon was drafted in the 6th round, and his team didn't even offer him a contract. He is now the all time leader in goals, assists, and games for a Wild Dman."

If he isn't a complete knucklehead, he will realize that it's what you do after you are drafted, not where you are drafted, that is important.

 

[Michoulicious]

why would Kent Hughes want to match that? lol

They have so many dmen and prospects coming up. They need forwards, not defense.

Only "quality" young RD they have is Reinbacher.

 

[Sstroh84]

Traded a high ceiling prospect whose chance of hitting close to that ceiling seems to be falling every day and a 5th for a player with a considerably lower ceiling he is already close to hitting, a late 1st, and multiple additional picks. This was truly a trade of uncertain, but elite potential for controllable assets which are much more certain.

This Columbus franchise has always had an issue getting elite players, either in the draft, by trade, or by signing. Continuing to move out elite level upside for depth/good talent is what has been a big contributor to the peak of this franchise being one playoff series win. At some point the best place for elite talent needs to be in Columbus and not sent packing for a quantity. This probably needs to happen before there is any real success.

 

[StreetHawk]

Also think that even Jiricek will realize that he isn't going to supplant Faber or Spurgeon, and sooner or later someone will take Jiricek aside and say, "See Bogosian, that guy you are trying to beat out for minutes? He was a 3rd overall pick. Faber was a 2nd rounder, and spent three years in college after being drafted. Spurgeon was drafted in the 6th round, and his team didn't even offer him a contract. He is now the all time leader in goals, assists, and games for a Wild Dman."

If he isn't a complete knucklehead, he will realize that it's what you do after you are drafted, not where you are drafted, that is important.

He could not have figured that out in CBJ?
Jackets dealt Peeke and buyout Boqvist, both RHD between the TDL to off-season, leaving Severason and Gudbranson as the other Right Shot D on the roster. Added Johnson vis free agency and Harris via trade, both lefties.

Werenski, Provorov, Severson were the top 3. Gudbranson, hundreds of games under his belt, but very much in the Bogo position (though injured now).

Jiricek needed to beat out 2 of Harris and his 140 odd NHL games, Christianson and his 40 odd NHL games, and Johnson, meant to be a veteran depth guy to be a regular top 6 guy. Couldn't do that.

Werenski, Provorov, Johnson, Gudbranson all former 1sts.
Harris was like a 2nd or 3rd. Christianson, mid round. Severson a 2nd.

Boqvist was a top 10 pick in 2018 and got bought out. After a couple of years post draft, and especially if the gm that drafted is gone, draft position means nothing. All about where you are development wise.

 

[CannonFire1]

The Jets don't cave. Not for Kane, not for Trouba, not for Laine, and not for PLD. They have to wait until it's the right thing for the team.

I'm not overreacting. That's Waddell's job apparently. He isn't doing an evaluation. He's freaking out and burning assets and becoming a pushover for anyone who wants out.

That is one take.

Or maybe Waddell did an evaluation, saw Jiricek's skating made him a poor fit for the team he is trying to build, and decided to recoup some value before it was too late. The draft position is irrelevant now.

 

[TS Quint]

That is one take.

Or maybe Waddell did an evaluation, saw Jiricek's skating made him a poor fit for the team he is trying to build, and decided to recoup some value before it was too late. The draft position is irrelevant now.

Who said draft position is relevant? Other than you trying to recoup value. I guess you don't have much to add to the conversation other than blindly follow Waddell (of all people).

 

[CannonFire1]

Trade plus the Wild’s locker room culture should do wonders for his motivation level. Then when you consider the team style and systems, it’s hard not to be excited as a Wild fan. He brings an element that we have been lacking since the Dumba injury with his booming point shot.

Big guys, and D men just take longer, need a lot of strength and practice to find your edges consistently at NHL paces. Even a guy like Boldy struggled with the skating pace and balance needed until really the last year ish.

The Wild are filled to the brim now and in the future with sublime skating D men, there is room for someone a little weaker in that regard but brings other elements like shooting and net front presence.

Bogosian is the obvious template for him on this roster and finding short term success, Jiricek lacks the vet savviness but brings a shot that should be quite impactful right out of the gate. The Wild are very strong as a team on puck retrievals and getting their D men opportunities to unleash from the point, it’s a friendly place to start his career IMO.

This is why I think the trade was a good and calculated gamble by Minnesota. Playing to their organizational strengths.