If Columbus Blue Jackets prized defensive prospect David Jiricek were a publicly traded company, his ticker would have a green arrow pointed north, and analysts would gladly give him a 'buy' rating. Yes indeed, the future is bright for the Czech-born defenseman, who turned just 19 years old earlier this week.
After nearly making the NHL club out of training camp, the sixth-overall pick went to AHL Cleveland, where he's been a force. In the interim, he made his NHL debut, playing two games and even making the trip to Finland (where he did not dress) before being sent back down. In 10 games with the Monsters, he's tallied 3-5-8 (G-A-PTS), playing primarily top pairing minutes alongside (most recently) Tim Berni.
The Blue Jackets, with a plethora of injuries on the blueline that include Zach Werenski, Adam Boqvist, Jake Bean, and Nick Blankenburg, have concluded that Jiricek is better served playing a major role in the AHL as opposed to struggling against stronger competition in the NHL. This is the correct tact, as the Blue Jackets need to prioritize his development over virtually any other player this season. The expectation is, should he continue to show well for himself in Cleveland, that he'll compete for a roster spot this fall.
The reality is that even 19-year-old defensemen are a rarity in the NHL. Over the past 10 seasons combined, there have only been 40 such defensemen to play in more NHL games than Jiricek's two. And per hockey analyst Thibaud Chatel, not only is Jiricek one of the best players in the AHL, he's one of the best 25 players in the AHL, but easily the best 19-and-under player, besting a host of fellow first-round picks.
Under 19 and Under 20 pic.twitter.com/6OpNcvu7EY
— Thibaud Chatel (@Thibaud_Chatel) November 29, 2022
What's interesting in digging into Chatel's data is the even split between his offensive and defensive impacts. His defensive makeup is obviously impressive. He's a rangy, good-skating, physical player that plays a tight gap and smothers opponents. And while his booming shot is well known, it's his other skills, like his breakout passing, that make him a unique prospect.
David Jiricek gets his first two AHL goals tonight in a 7-3 win!
— CBJ Center (@CBJcenter) November 19, 2022
Of note: 2020 draft pick Samuel Knazko records a 5 point game as well.
What a night from the young guns! pic.twitter.com/VLKHxxDF6V
first line is on
— Cleveland Monsters (@monstershockey) October 21, 2022
: Marchenko & Gaunce pic.twitter.com/h9y9kH6M0t
David Jiricek scores in the shootout for the Monsters! pic.twitter.com/B937EXUuk8
— CBJ Center (@CBJcenter) November 20, 2022
Jiricek is an exciting prospect, and while it can be tempting to want to see him skating at Nationwide Arena this winter, his time will come soon enough. Acclimating to North America, playing big minutes and a key role in a very strong league in the AHL for a team with playoff aspirations should yield positive returns, both this year and well into the future.
