After being drafted with the 6th overall pick in the 2022 NHL, David Jiříček has struggled to find his place on the NHL team.
Now, after being sent down again, the questions are swirling about the possibility of him refusing to report to the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL.
If he doesn’t, this will likely leave the team no choice but to trade him.
Related: What Should The Blue Jackets Do With David Jiříček?
Given his age, he will likely draw interest from other NHL teams.
In an ideal world, both Jiříček and the Blue Jackets would find a path to the NHL, where he could be a mainstay in the lineup.
However, that isn’t the case, and it may lead to a trade, which may be the best option for both sides.
Especially after the Blue Jackets recently claimed Dante Fabbro from the Nashville Predators. It takes more ice time away from Jiříček.
The Blue Jackets could also turn a Jiříček trade into another young forward that can jump into their lineup and grow with their already established young core.