One name that has been surfacing in the rumour mill as of late is that of David Jiricek. Jiricek is a former sixth overall pick by Columbus back in 2022. He is a 6’4 right shot defenceman and there will certainly be a lot of teams lining up for his services if he is indeed available. However, the Canadiens could be a great fit for Jiricek. They have a need for a right-shot defenceman, especially one of Jiricek’s size and potential. But what would be the cost of acquiring him, and could we realistically see the Czech-born defenceman land in Montreal?
Montreal Canadiens cost of acquiring Young Defenceman
Defenceman Jiricek not fitting in Columbus
Despite his good play in the AHL where he has amassed 59 points in 86 career games, Jiricek hasn’t been given a legitimate chance in Columbus. This is largely in part to the Jackets crowded blue line. Their defence features the likes of Werenski, Provorov, Severson, and Gudbranson. They also have former hab Jordan Harris, and newly acquired Dante Fabbro. This isn’t even mentioning prospect Denton Mateychuk who is also battling to get a chance in Columbus.
With all these defenceman on the roster, it’s easy to see how Jiricek has gotten lost in the mix. On most other teams, he would be a fixture in their defence corps already, especially with how good he’s been in the AHL at only 20 years old. The Blue Jackets will have to move on from some of these blue-liners to make room for Jiricek or deal him elsewhere where he can be given a real NHL shot.
Where Defenceman Jiricek fits on Canadiens
Jiricek would immediately be put into the Canadiens top-six on the backend if he were acquired. He adds an element of size and skill that the Canadiens don’t have on their blueline currently. He also has a higher ceiling than any Habs blueliner outside of arguably Lane Hutson. Jiricek could be a solid partner for Hutson in the future as he is mobile for a big defender and is steady defensively as well. The Canadiens have only Mailoux and Reinbacher projected on the right side for the future. However, Mailloux is still being developed in the minors, and David Reinbacher has been set back by injuries.
Jiricek would be ahead of Justin Barron, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj on the Canadiens defensive depth chart. One of them would also likely be sent to Columbus in a Jiricek trade. With Savard’s contract also expiring this season, there is room now and in the future on the Habs blue line for a player like David Jiricek.
Cost of Acquisition
The cost of acquiring David Jiricek wouldn’t be cheap, considering he was a top-ten pick two years ago. A young defenceman would likely be going the other way. The most likely candidates would be Struble and Barron. They could also do a Reinbacher for Jiricek swap as Reinbacher needs more seasoning in the minors upon his return. He wouldn’t be able to crack the Jackets crowded blueline for some time so this trade would give him that needed development time. However, the Canadiens likely don’t want to admit failure by giving up on their top-five pick and may also consider the trade a lateral move. A trade for Jiricek would likely have to be a package deal.
Potential trade package: Justin Barron, Filip Mesar, 2025 2nd round pick
Other Defence Targets
Outside of Jiricek, the Habs could target some other right-shot defenceman. Rasmus Andersson would be the most noteworthy and come with the highest price tag. His name has also been in rumours since the start of the season. However, the Canadiens may want someone younger and with more term on their deal. The Flames may no longer be looking to sell off their number-one defenseman as they’ve had a strong start to the season thus far.
Alexandre Carrier of the Nashville Predators is another interesting name. The 28-year-old is a likely candidate to be dealt at the deadline as the Predators have had a horrendous start to the season. He also has the added bonus of being a Quebec native.
Jiricek should be considered the Canadiens top target, however. He has a much higher ceiling than either of the two aforementioned defenceman. They would be able to control him for longer and he fits their timeline perfectly at only 20 years old. While he may have a fairly high price tag, the Canadiens can afford to give up the assets to acquire a player of David Jiricek’s caliber.
Main Photo: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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