Analysis: Red Wings Potential Pick at #8, David Jiricek

In July, the Detroit Red Wings will pick at #8 in the NHL Entry Draft. Even though Detroit is in need of skilled forwards, if David Jiricek is available with the 8th pick, Steve Yzerman is likely to draft the player that is one of the most polished defensemen in the draft.

David Jiricek

David Jiricek is a highly skilled and mobile right-shot defenseman from Czechia. Jiricek has represented Czechia internationally in several events since he was 15. Jiricek has also played at various age levels for his club team, HC Plzen.

In 2019-2020, Jiricek played 41 games at several different levels in the HC Plzen organization. Jiricek scored 11 goals, 19 assists, 30 points, and had a +10 rating. Internationally, Jiricek played 16 games at the U17 and U18 levels, scoring five goals, seven assists, 12 points, and an even +/- rating.

In 2020-2021, Jiricek played his first full season in the Czechia professional league. In 34 regular-season games, he scored three goals, six assists, nine points, and had a +13 rating. In four playoff games, Jiricek chipped in with one assist. Jiricek played in several international tournaments, including the World U18 and U20 tournaments. In 21 international games at all levels, Jiricek scored five goals, three assists, and eight points.

This season, Jiricek played 29 regular-season games in Czechia’s top professional league, scoring five goals, six assists, 11 points, and had an even +/- rating. Jiricek was an alternate captain on the U20 World Junior Championship team. He chipped in with one assist in one game before the tournament was postponed. He is expected to participate in a revamped version of the tournament when it resumes in August. Jiricek played 20 additional games representing Czechia at the U20 and professional levels, scoring two goals, eight assists, 10 points, and a +10 rating. Jiricek is currently playing at the World Championships, where he has scored one goal and one assist in two games.

David Jiricek’s Final Rankings

NHL Central Scouting has Jiricek as the 4th ranked EU skater behind Juraj Slafkovsky (TPS, Liiga), Joakim Kemell (JYP, Liiga), and previously previewed Simon Nemec. Jiricek is also the 2nd highest scoring draft-eligible EU defenseman currently playing professionally in the EU. Elite Prospects has Jiricek ranked at #2 behind only Shane Wright in the Final Rankings.

David Jiricek #45

Why would Jiricek be a good pick for Detroit?

Jiricek is an outstanding offensive defenseman. He can quarterback a power play, make exceptional breakout passes, and would be a terrific complement to the right side of Detroit’s defense.

Jiricek will turn 19 in November, and if he is drafted by Detroit, the Red Wings would likely bring him to North America immediately so that he could play in Grand Rapids (AHL). He has already played two full seasons of professional hockey in Czechia and has nothing else to prove at that level. After one full season in the AHL, Jiricek would challenge for a full-time spot on the Red Wings defense.

Final Thoughts

Detroit will likely draft the offensively gifted defenseman if David Jiricek is still available at #8. In my opinion, Jiricek is the best offensive defenseman available in this year’s draft. It would be nice to have an opportunity to draft a right-shot defenseman who will likely play in the NHL full-time within the next 2-3 years.

Previous articles in the series you may have missed:
Joakim Kemell
Simon Nemec
Matthew Savoie

The return of the Lyon King The Production Line Podcast

In this episode, we break down the Red Wings' first six games of the season, going 3-3. We discuss the impressive start from Alex Lyon, Marco Kasper's recall, the team's problems generating offense, and more!
  1. The return of the Lyon King
  2. The 23-Man Roster Set and Kasper Sent Down
  3. Preseason Storylines and Red Wings' Roster Predictions
  4. Red Wings' Training Camp Opens
  5. The Three RFAs

Chris Giles

Chris Giles is a former junior hockey player and coach from Canada. He has been a diehard Detroit Red Wings fan for almost 50 years. Chris is an avid golfer who has volunteered at several PGA and Canadian Open Championships throughout North America.

2 thoughts on “Analysis: Red Wings Potential Pick at #8, David Jiricek

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ECHL: Orlando Solar Bears’ Roster Transactions | 11/21/2024

The Orlando Solar Bears have made several roster changes recently. Yesterday the team announced that Jaydon Dureau, a forward assigned from the Syracuse Crunch by the Tampa Bay Lightning, would be bringing his skills to the Solar Bears. Dureau, 23, has recorded one goal and one assist in 10 games with the Crunch this season. […]

Read More
Dustin Wolf in net for Calgary Flames Photo by Christopher Mast/NHLI via Getty Images

NHL Game Preview: New York Rangers at Calgary Flames with Line Combinations 11/21/2024

New York Rangers (12-4-1, 25 pts) at Calgary Flames (10-6-3, 23 pts)Venue: Scotiabank SaddledomeDate: Thursday, November 21Time: 9:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm MT TV: ESPN+ / MSGS / SportsnetRadio:New York Rangers – WEPN-FM 98.7 ESPN New YorkCalgary Flames – Sportsnet 960 DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Lines:New York Rangers -1.5 ML -165Calgary Flames +1.5 ML +140O/U […]

Read More

NHL Game Preview: Minnesota Wild at Edmonton Oilers with Line Combinations | 11/21/2024

The Edmonton Oilers (10-8-2) will host the Minnesota Wild (12-3-3) on Thursday night at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. This is the first of three meetings between the two Western Conference teams, with the next two scheduled for December 12 and January 15. The Oilers are coming off a 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators, […]

Read More