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Columbus Blue Jackets Officially Trade Sixth Overall Pick David Jiricek

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Aaron Itovitch
November 30, 2024  (5:32 PM)
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It was announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets have traded defenseman David Jiricek to the Minnesota Wild in exchange picks and Daemon Hunt.

Following weeks of rumours involving the young former sixth overall pick, whose time in the Czech league before the 2022 NHL draft made him one of the most coveted prospects in hockey, he has finally been moved to Minnesota for a first round pick, a second round pick, a third round pick, a fourth round pick, and prospect Daemon Hunt.

While the picks are the primary part of the package, Daemon Hunt has a lot of potential.

He is a former WHL captain, and has been pushing for a roster spot on the Minnesota Wild at only 22 years old.

In an interview a few weeks ago he showed off his leadership, not complaining about being out of the NHL picture, but rather being happy the team was performing well:

«I want to be in the NHL, simple as that. But everyone's path is different, and right now mine is to be in the American League. Time will tell, but I'm hoping someday I'll be here fulltime. But right now everybody's playing well and the team's winning, which is great to see.»

Fans opted to contrast this with Jiricek's handling of his situation in Columbus, where ice time limitations due to roster constraints forced him out of the lineup:

Hunt actually has patience, Jiricek likes to cry about not playing but doesn't at all train to be better. theirs a difference.

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Blue Jackets reporter Mark Schieg responded back concretely, saying that on the inside, Jiricek was nothing but respectful.

Based on the price, many teams were likely close on Jiricek, including, reportedly, the Philadelphia Flyers.

We will see which team ends up winning this trade in a few years, but the player that went sixth overall just two years ago seems like a decent bet for the Wild, whose blueline includes Brock Faber, and the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft Zeev Buium - not a bad future at all.

The Columbus Blue Jackets' GM, Don Waddell released the following statement following the deal:

«Daemon is a very good, young defenseman and we are excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family. In addition to adding a very good prospect, the draft picks we've acquired provide us with valuable assets that we can use to improve our club moving forward,»

«I'd also like to thank David for his contributions during his time with our organization and wish him well.»

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Columbus Blue Jackets Officially Trade Sixth Overall Pick David Jiricek

Who do you think won the David Jiricek trade?