Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek has been in the rumor mill since last season. However, after recently being sent to the American Hockey League (AHL), the trade buzz around the right-handed defenseman is only growing.
See the original article to see the embedded media.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman recently reported that teams are making “legitimate pitches” for Jiricek. With Jiricek being a young defenseman with great potential, he is a player the Flyers should seriously consider pushing for.
The Blue Jackets selected Jiricek with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. The prospect of him becoming at least a top-four defender is undoubtedly there. With the Flyers needing help on the blue line, he could be a great player to take shots at.
© Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
As a 20-year-old defenseman, Jiricek is still adjusting to the NHL level. In 53 career games with the Blue Jackets, he has one goal, 11 points, 38 hits and a minus-10 rating. He undoubtedly showed his potential at the AHL level with the Cleveland Monsters, posting 13 goals and 58 points in 86 games over three seasons.
Jiricek has the tools to become a high-impact two-way defenseman in the NHL, so the Flyers should have him on their radar. If acquired, he would give them another promising young defenseman to work with. Additionally, he would likely have plenty of opportunities immediately with the Flyers, as their right side has spots to compete for.
News of recent circulars
3 potential trade destinations for Flyers’ Morgan Frost
Three takeaways from Flyers’ overtime win over Blackhawks
Bédard, Michkov and the draft that could have been: a look back at the 2023 NHL draft
A Decade of Decisions: Analyzing Flyers Draft History
Flyers Defender continues to create commercial buzz
Former Flyers star attracts major commercial interest
Elliotte Friedman speculates on Flyers Center moving to Chicago
2 Big Flyers named top trade candidates
Three takeaways from Flyers’ loss to Hurricanes
‘Hockey Canada should watch’: Travis Sanheim thrives under pressure, leads Flyers blue line
