Blue Jackets trade candidate David Jiricek loaned to AHL affiliate
A new wrinkle was just added to the Columbus Blue Jackets – David Jiricek saga.
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There is a new development in the David Jiricek saga.
The Columbus Blue Jackets loaned the potential trade candidate to their AHL affiliate the Cleveland Monsters, the team announced Wednesday.
Forward Mikael Pyyhtiä was also sent to Cleveland.
After being selected sixth overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2022 draft, The Czechia-born defenceman has struggled to find consistent minutes with the big club, frequently bouncing between the NHL and AHL.
The 20-year-old has only played in six games this season, recording one assist and averaging 11:12 time on ice.
Last season, Jiricek played in 43 games for Columbus, but was unhappy with his usage, sparking initial trade rumours.
Columbus acquired Dante Fabbro — also a right-handed defenceman — off waivers from Nashville last week, creating another barrier in Jiricek’s path to ice time.
In all, Jiricek has recorded one goal, 10 assists, and 28 penalty minutes in 53 career appearances with the club.
