Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek has been the subject of trade rumors the entire season, and the San Jose Sharks might take a swing for the former sixth-overall pick.
“I don’t think you can count out the San Jose Sharks,” Frank Seravalli said on Daily Faceoff Live yesterday.
TSN and The Athletic insider Chris Johnston said the Blue Jackets were initially looking for a sixth-overall talent in return for the right-shot d-man. Still, with a clear disconnect on both sides and possibly stunted development, the Sharks could get him for cheaper.
“Initially, they had focused on trying to get another prospect like him, sort of a kind-for-kind type of deal, but I think Columbus is shifting into a mode where they’ll start to listen on draft-pick packages in exchange for Jiricek, and that might help move things along on the trade front,” Johnston said.
What could the Sharks give up for the 2022 sixth-overall pick?
The Sharks have begun to establish the top end of their prospect pool, but many young players in the AHL have a clouded route to the NHL.
Players like Danil Gushchin, Thomas Bordeleau, and Tristen Robbins haven’t been able to crack the NHL full-time. Reports suggest the Blue Jackets are seeking a young forward who can help boost offense in the NHL. Gushchin may be the perfect piece, along with a second and/or third-round pick to acquire Jiricek.
The winger scored 54 points in 56 games for the San Jose Barracuda last season and has six points in seven games this season.
Bordeleau has shown flashes of being a solid NHL player. While his offense hasn’t followed him to the NHL, he has solid skill and could be successful in a more prominent role.
Bordeleau has two goals in 11 games for the ‘Cuda this season, and after an injury in training camp, he hasn’t been able to find his game. Like Jiricek, a change of scenery might not be the worst thing for Bordeleau’s future.
GM Mike Grier already traded one of the two Sharks first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, and despite the draft hype surrounding Jiricek, the Blue Jackets would be lucky to get a first-round pick in return.
If Columbus were to get a first, it would likely be a later first, but the Sharks’ ability to provide more young talent than other teams that might be interested could give them a minor discount on the draft capital they would have to give up.
Truth be told, I don’t think this duo, plus a pick or two, would be enough for the Sharks to acquire Jiricek. With Sam Dickinson, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and Luca Cagnoni already within the organization, I don’t see the Sharks going after Jiricek with any desperation.
Other teams reportedly interested in Jiricek include the Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres.
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