The Columbus Blue Jackets have set the hockey world on fire. After a race that included reported bids from the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders, they landed the biggest fish on the market. Johnny Gaudreau is now a Columbus Blue Jacket. Luring the big fish to Columbus is huge, but there is also news that shines a light on the future of this hockey club.
Defenceman David Jiricek signed his entry-level contract. The sixth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft has signed his first NHL deal. Financial terms were not released but the deal is for three years, plus a potential entry-level slide if he does not play enough NHL games next season.
Congrats to 6th overall pick David Jiricek on signing a 3 year entry-level contract with Columbus. @ehshockey #OctagonFamily https://t.co/ATtX9Jm4x2
— Allan Walsh🏒 (@walsha) July 13, 2022
David Jiricek Signs Entry-Level Deal
After seeing Seth Jones begin a new chapter last summer, building the back end was a must for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Besides star blueliner Zach Werenski, a new wave of talent is on the way in Columbus.
David Jiricek is a tower of a defenceman. Standing at 6’1 and weighing 191 pounds, he is a large human being. Despite his size, he has some offensive upside to his game. In the 2018-19 season, he scored 19 goals, 21 assists, and 40 points. This past season he managed to score 11 points in 29 games.
What The Deal Means To Columbus
David Jiricek signed his contract. This is a huge step for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Adding Gaudreau is high and shows players want to come there. It’s a good day for Jiricek and the city of Columbus.
LWOS’ Ben Kerr described Jiricek in his pre-draft scouting report as follows: “Jiricek marries his good size with strong skating ability. He shows a long stride which helps him to generate good speed and acceleration in both directions.
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Jiricek also shows strong offensive skills. He marries his strong skating with good stickhandling ability. This allows him to carry the puck through the neutral zone and generate effective zone entries. He also has the poise to control the puck at the point and make plays in the offensive zone. Jiricek shows good vision and passing ability. He can start the transition game with a good first pass, hit a teammate for a long breakaway pass if they get behind the defence, as well as control the puck and make plays in the offensive end.”
