Why would I frequent the CBJ board? I'm not a Jackets fan. I guess I should say "on the main boards, Jackets fans insisted that Laine was fine."
The point is that lots of teenagers need to put on weight and get stronger, Jiricek isn't special. If the only reason he's struggling at the NHL level is that he isn't physically strong enough yet, you simply let him play through it. You can put him on a development plan that includes load management like Leo Carlsson last year and Will Smith this year so they can get the time they need in the gym. But you don't make a comment like this if the healthy scratches are planned and not related to performance:
Except when Leo Carlsson was in the lineup he looked like he belonged. Jiricek had some better showings last year than this year. He can't keep up in Evason's heavier skating system. Obviously their are some frustration on both sides but I don't think being honest is a negative. Seems pretty simple to me, put in the work, play better, get into games. Right now he can't even beat out Jordan Harris. He shouldn't have sat after the Toronto game but when he did get back in it was more of the same.
Also Jiricek is about to be 21, You'd like to see more physical development at this point. But like I said, it's a mix of physical development and poor skating, he can't even rely on one or the other right now
The last 2 games Jiricek played, he averaged 9 minutes. I'm sorry but that's ridiculous. Columbus is 2nd to last in the East... this isn't the 82 Islanders here. Jiricek and Mateychuk should be eating up NHL minutes the way Mintyukov and Zellweger are in Anaheim.
Mateychuk should be exactly where he is. Putting up points and playing in all situations
