Sat, Nov 30, 2024 at 5:45pm

JIRICEK MOVES TO MINNESOTA

The Minnesota Wild acquired defenseman David Jiricek and a fifth-round draft pick in 2025 from the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Daemon Hunt, a first-round draft pick in 2025, a third-round draft pick in 2026, a fourth-round draft pick in 2026 and a second-round draft pick in 2027.

What does it give the Minnesota Wild
In Jiricek, the Wild land a quality right-shooting defense prospect who is not quite a finished product yet. Minnesota already boasts sophomore Brock Faber in their lineup, but their other two regular right D-men are aging (Jared Spurgeon and Zach Bogosian). Therefore, this is mostly an investment into the future by GM Bill Guerin at this time, but did he overpay for Jiricek?

What does it give the Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus did extremely well here, especially considering the fact that Jiricek wanted out and was likely never going to play another game for the Blue Jackets. Hunt is a serviceable defenseman who is more of a depth option than a legitimate prospect, but Columbus has several other quality blueline prospects to choose from. Well done, new GM Don Waddell.

Fantasy impact
Jiricek has some long-range value in deep keeper leagues, but otherwise he can be left alone in yearly formats. Ditto for Hunt, who could find himself caught in a numbers game with his new team in Columbus.