Some people insist that muscle and skating are the only things holding Jiricek back. I disagree. I believe the biggest issue with Jiricek is between the ears, and this is where the Jackets are grossly mishandling him, imho.
After the draft, Jiricek arrived in Columbus and looked incredible in prospects camp, camp, and preseason. There was even some talk that he was so impressive, he could get a look to crack the club at 18. He didn't, and that is fine, he was only 18... but the glimpses were there as were the expectations.
Last year, he had his heart set on the NHL and I believe the GM told him to get a place to live in Columbus. Then he was yo-yo'd and never fully given the chance to learn on the job until he could figure it out. This was a clear mixed message and the Jackets need to own that.
This year, same thing. And not only with him, but with Mateychuk as well.
This tells me there is a major flaw in the way the Jackets are developing their players, both physically and mentally. For some reason they are acting like a perennial Cup contender with an all-star caliber NHL D core and are bullish on over-marinating their D prospects until they feel they are the perfect, polished gem, which is absolutely ludicrous and unrealistic. On top of that, they continue to add fringe NHLers, aging vets, and subpar players to block kids like Jiricek, Mateychuk, Ceulemens, etc. What message is this sending to their top D prospects?? "We don't trust you yet but we're willing to trust fringe NHLers and has-beens who shouldn't be taking up roster space."
Jiricek and Mateychuk 100% should be up playing decent minutes and scraping their knees in the NHL. Let them make mistakes, tough it out, and learn on the job without fear of being punished or demoted. It's time the Jackets show them that they believe in them and are willing to sink or swim with them.
