David Jiricek is going to be a star.
Since the Blue Jackets selected Jiricek 6th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, he has led THE H rookie defensemen in points/game (minimum 50 games) with six goals and 38 points in 55 games, was named best defenseman in the 2023 IIHF World Juniorsand played four games in the NHL.
Will Jiricek make the team after training camp?
He will certainly have every opportunity at 19 years old. Even with a crowded group of defenders including Damon Severson, Adam Boqvist, Andrew Peeke, Erik Gudbranson, Nick Blankenburg and Jake Bean, Jiricek’s ability could earn him a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Before the draft, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen considered it a luxury to have all the defensemen they have, so that if Jiricek isn’t ready, they won’t have to rush him.
“But if he comes to camp and he’s our best defender,” Kekalainen said. “Then we might have to do something.”
It’s early, but there’s a chance Jiricek is already the team’s best right-handed defenseman.
What will Jiricek’s role be in the NHL?
The Blue Jackets drafted Jiricek to be a top-pairing defenseman, and while he might not start there if he makes the team out of camp, he should get there if he plays up to its caliber. His monster one-timer should buy him time on the power play, and his size and defensive ability should also allow him to play shorthanded. It’s too early to tell how Mike Babcock will deploy Jiricek when given the chance, and he’s still only 19, so expect him to play 22-25 minutes against the team’s top line. ‘other team each night might be too high. waiting.
What is Jiricek’s offensive ceiling?
His aforementioned slap shot will be a huge plus throughout his career, both at even strength and on the power play. However, as long as Zach Werenski is available, it will be difficult for Jiricek to crack the first unit on the power play, but he could still get some time on the second unit. He certainly has the tools to be an effective offensive player in the NHL, but to what extent? Will he be a 60 point player? Probably not. But could he consistently score 40 points? Absolutely.
In 2022-2312 defenders scored at least 60 points and eight others scored at least 50. 2009-10, two defenders scored 60 points or more, with a total of seven defenders reaching the 50-point plateau. The game has changed, but scoring 40 points as a defender is still extremely valuable, especially when Jiricek should be elite on the defensive end.
David Jiricek is going to be a star. And probably as soon as possible.
