David Jiricek was selected No. 6 overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Level Draft. Widely viewed and projected to be a top-six defenseman one day in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets would select the young prospect and send him to the Cleveland Monsters. Jiricek posted impressive numbers in the AHL, 6- goals, 32- assists with 38 points, and 36 penalty minutes. Jiricek was selected to the 2022-23 AHL All-Star Classic (he did not play) and in December was voted the AHL Rookie of the Month.
Zach Werenski was injured in the first game of the season and put on IR, the Blue Jackets wasted little time in calling Jiricek up. Appearing in eight games in Columbus Jiricek has posted 1- goal, 1- assist, and 2- points but he has flashed why he was such a high draft pick and has the makings of being an elite defensive player at some point, playing solid defense.
Playing with speed with great footwork and using his large frame has helped Jiricek make a big impression on his coaches. He thrives in transition and has shined in that area while in Columbus. The young promising prospect is near his nine-game time, but it seems Jiricek will be staying in Columbus as he is proving his worth.
The Blue Jackets have paired David Jiricek with Ivan Provorov the tandem has proven to be very efficient. The duo currently ranks 27th. It is fair to say the veteran Provorov has been a steading partner for the rookie Jiricek said he pays close attention to the way Provorov prepares for games.
Jiricek has looked comfortable and not out of place on the ice. Sending him to Cleveland was the right path to take last season. Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent has said if players want ice time they need to meet his standards, practice hard, game play, and be a good teammate Jiricek checks all of the boxes.
For a player of his size, he skates very well and is more than not in the right position on the ice. Jiricek understands his assignments which is key for a rookie, let alone a rookie defensive player. Jiricek’s play has pushed both Andrew Peeke and Adam Boqvist to be routine healthy scratches.
Again, it bears repeating it seems highly likely David Jiricek, who has pushed two defensive players to be healthy scratches, is going to stick around with the Blue Jackets. Playing on the second line and doing so without looking lost gives the organization the hope that Jiricek will hit his ceiling and, at some point, will be on the top line.
Photo Credit: Columbus Blue Jackets/NHL
