With five NHL-level blueliners under the age of 24, the Montreal Canadiens boast one of the league’s youngest defensive groups.
Now, they might have the chance to add another promising player to that mix.
Columbus Blue Jackets prospect David Jiricek has been making headlines recently, with reports that the 21-year-old defenceman is on the trade block. NHL insider Chris Johnston weighed in on the situation during his latest podcast episode, discussing likely destinations for the sixth overall pick from the 2022 draft.
“It’s my understanding Columbus has had extensive talks with a number of teams on Jiricek,” Johnston said. “At least eight teams. It might be more.”
Johnston later mentioned the Canadiens, who played in Columbus last night, as one of the teams reportedly showing interest.
“I think Philadelphia has shown some interest around the margins. I know at one point Vancouver was linked. Montreal might have been linked here, you go down the list,” he said. “I think that deal could come in the relatively near future.”
The Canadiens are no strangers to dealing with Columbus, having sent defenceman Jordan Harris to the Blue Jackets over the summer in exchange for Patrik Laine. Back in 2020, the Habs acquired Josh Anderson from the Blue Jackets in exchange for Max Domi and a third-round pick.
However, while Montreal may be in the conversation, Johnston noted that “the Minnesota Wild are the frontrunner” to land Jiricek.
Jiricek has spent the past few seasons moving up and down from the NHL and AHL. The 6-foot-4 Czechia native has one goal and 11 points in 43 games with Columbus.
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