If David Jiricek suits up for the Blue Jackets this weekend, it will be his biggest test in the NHL to date.
On Thursday, the club added Jiricek to the roster on an emergency recall after Zach Werenski didn't practice in Denver. He blocked a shot in the team's 4-3 loss to the Red Wings on Tuesday. However, head coach Pascal Vincent said he's hoping that Werenski will be able to go.
If not, Jiricek will be thrust into an NHL lineup ahead of a road back-to-back against two of the league's best teams, the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights.
Jiricek hasn't played in an NHL game since Jan. 9, so these circumstances won't be ideal. But such is life as a pro.
This season, Jiricek has posted 1-8--9 in 36 NHL games in addition to 7-10--17 in 24 AHL contests.
The No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft will have his hands full if he plays, but it will also be a chance for him to show that he should stay in the NHL.
The Jackets face the Avalanche on Friday at 9 p.m. ET and the Golden Knights on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET.
