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

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

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

Adam Proteau

Catching up With Adam Proteau of The Hockey News

With the trade deadline behind us and teams pushing toward the Stanley Cup playoffs, I figured now was as good a time as ever to conduct an email interview with the great Adam Proteau of The Hockey News. Adam was kind enough to take time out of his busy writing schedule to give us his […]

Read More
Todd McLellan behind the bench

March Contiues to Be a Month That Sinks the Detroit Red Wings Playoff Hopes

March has been the part of the NHL schedule that has caused the Detroit Red Wings the most trouble in the past three seasons. In two of these three seasons, the Red Wings were led by former head coach Derek Lalonde. The Red Wings had a record of 3-11 in March of 2024 under Lalonde. […]

Read More
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes celebrates a first-period goal against the Minnesota Wild.

New Jersey Devils Take Down Wild in a Shootout to Sweep the Season Series

The New Jersey Devils defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 in a shootout on Monday night at the Prudential Center, sweeping the home-and-home season series between the two. Looking to end a three-game winless streak at home, the Devils put together another 60-plus minute effort that earned them a resilient and well-deserved win over a team […]

Read More