The Minnesota Wild made a big splash Saturday, acquiring defenseman David Jiricek from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Daemon Hunt and draft picks, before assigning him to their AHL affiliate Iowa Wild.
Jiricek has recorded two goals and three points in four games with the Cleveland Monsters and one assist in six games with the Blue Jackets while averaging 11:12 of ice time per game.
The sixth overall selection in the 2022 draft, Jiricek did not formally request a trade but his name began popping up in trade rumors after he was sent down to the AHL on Nov. 20.
With Brock Faber and Zeev Buium already in the system the Wild now have three building blocks on the back-end.
There is no news on how long Jiricek will remain in the AHL but with an injury to Jonas Brodin and the price they paid to acquire him there is a good chance we see Jiricek suit up for Minnesota sooner rather than later.
Hunt has played one game for Minnesota this season and has four assists in nine games with Iowa.
A third round pick in 2020, Hunt has 45 points in 125 career AHL games, he should be able to slide into a quarterback role on the Monsters powerplay.
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