David Jiricek’s name has recently surfaced in the rumour mill. Jiricek was Columbus’s sixth overall pick 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 getting him, and might we realistically see the Czech-born defenseman settle in Montreal?
Montreal Canadiens cost of acquiring Young Defenceman
Defenceman Jiricek not fitting in Columbus
Despite his strong performance in the AHL, where he has 59 points in 86 games, Jiricek has not been given a meaningful chance in Columbus. This is largely due to the Jackets’ packed blue line. Werenski, Provorov, Severson, and Gudbranson are among their defensive standouts. They also have former Hab Jordan Harris and just acquired Dante Fabbro. This doesn’t even include prospect Denton Mateychuk, who is also competing for a spot in Columbus.
With so many defencemen on the squad, it’s easy to see how Jiricek got lost in the shuffle. Most other teams would already have him in their defense corps, especially given his performance in the AHL at the age of 20. The Blue Jackets will have to let go of some of these blueliners to create place for Jiricek, or trade him somewhere else where he can get a legitimate NHL shot.
Where Defenceman Jiricek fits on Canadiens
If Jiricek is acquired, he will immediately be added to the Canadiens’ top-six on the back end. He brings size and skill to the Canadiens’ blueline, which the team currently lacks. He also has a higher ceiling than any Habs blueliner except possibly Lane Hutson. Jiricek could be a good future partner for Hutson because he is mobile for a big defender while still being dependable defensively. Only Mailoux and Reinbacher are predicted to play on the right side of the Canadiens’ future lineup. Mailloux is still in the minors, and David Reinbacher has been sidelined by injury.
Jiricek would rank ahead of Justin Barron, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj on the Canadiens’ defensive depth chart. One of them would most certainly be shipped to Columbus in a Jiricek swap. With Savard’s contract expiring this season, there is currently and in the future space on the Habs blue line for a guy like David Jiricek.
Cost of Acquisition
David Jiricek would be expensive to acquire, given that he was a top-10 choice two years ago. A young defenseman would most likely go the other way. The most likely choices are Struble and Barron. They could possibly swap Reinbacher for Jiricek, as Reinbacher needs more minor league experience when he returns. He wouldn’t be able to break through the Jackets’ congested blueline for some time, so this move would provide him the necessary growth time. However, the Canadiens are unlikely to concede defeat by giving up on their top-five pick and may view the trade as a lateral move. A move for Jiricek would most 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 trying to sell off their number-one defenseman as they’ve enjoyed a solid start to the season thus far.
Alexandre Carrier of the Nashville Predators is another unique name. The 28-year-old is a possible possibility for a trade at the deadline, given the Predators’ disastrous start to the season. He also has the advantage of being a Quebec native.
However, Jiricek should be regarded the Canadiens’ priority objective. He has a far better ceiling than either of the aforementioned defencemen. They would be able to keep him under control for longer, and at only 20 years old, he fits nicely into their chronology. While he may come at a steep price, the Canadiens can afford to part with assets to acquire a player of David Jiricek’s caliber.
