2 Potential Landing Spots for Jiricek; "Just a Matter of Time" Until Trade

The Columbus Blue Jackets are trying to trade former 6th overall pick David Jiricek, according to sources, and apparently "There is a feeling it's coming, it's just a matter of when," per Jim Birigner of RG.org.

Jiricek was sent to the Jackets' AHL club, the Cleveland Monsters this past week in an effort to get him plenty of ice time and a chance to build up his confidence. But is that for an eventual promotion to Columbus, or to catch another team's eye?

An NHL source told Biringer that two teams stand out as possible trade destinations, with interest in Jiricek:

If you look at teams that want to upgrade their defense, the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators are potential landing spots. Both are interested in him, especially Edmonton, who is looking to replace Philip Broberg in their top four.

It does make sense for the Oilers in a number of ways. First, as noted, they lost a high-end first-rounder in Broberg on an offer sheet to St. Louis this past summer. As well, Edmonton came into the season with a need on the blueline, particularly in the top-four. It wouldn't appear that Jiricek is ready for an assignment like that just yet, however.

The Predators own plenty of draft picks they could wave in front of Columbus GM Don Waddell, if that's what he's looking for in return.

Jiricek, despite the slow start to his NHL career, has potential. He certainly has the size, at 6'4", 200 pounds, the draft pedigree, as the No. 6 pick in the 2022 Draft, and he'll only turn 21 this coming week.

Jiricek managed to get into just six games this season in Columbus, and 43 games last year. He was demoted to the AHL last season as well, where he spent 29 games, compiling 19 points, then having a nice run in the AHL playoffs with 11 points in 14 games with Cleveland.