David Jiricek

Werenski Out, Jiricek Next Man Up

It’s a phrase that the Columbus Blue Jackets locker room has gotten used to over the years – “next man up.” It didn’t take long – 34:22 to be exact – for the Blue Jackets to lose a man to injury in their home opener on Thursday. Any play that gets reviewed for a five-minute […]

Top 10 Blue Jackets Prospects (Jeremy’s Version)

As the dust begins to settle on another franchise-defining offseason for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the prospect pool appears to be, once again, in the best position in franchise history. Taking a look at what the Blue Jackets have waiting in the wings is cause for celebration… except when you are asked to rank them. […]

The Columbus Blue Jackets will suffer short-term ramifications after trading Vladislav Gavrikov

After admitting the two sides could not agree on terms, Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalalinen made the decision to trade D- Vladislav Gavrikov. While it was absolutely the right decision, the move comes with consequences that will be felt for a short while, while Blue Jackets defensive prospects such as David Jiricek, Stanislav Svozil, […]

Believe it or not, the Columbus Blue Jackets are rebuilding the right way

There is a right way to do an NHL rebuild and a wrong way. The wrong way is to draft offensive talent or “the best player available.” In the case of the Columbus Blue Jackets (currently on pace for 54 points,) even though it may be difficult to see, the organization is rebuilding the right […]

Defenseman Marcus Bjork has been a big surprise for the Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled this season to find consistency due in part to roster construction and part injuries. The Blue Jackets have had a revolving door of players shuttling between AHL affiliate Cleveland (Monsters) and Columbus, sometimes on a game-to-game basis. Yet, in a no-good, very bad season, the Blue Jackets appear to […]

Columbus Blue Jackets top prospect David Jiricek is showing he has the makings to be special

The Columbus Blue Jackets snake-bit with injuries and a melancholy fan base whose expectations have been tempered by a rebuild that looks like it will take some time are due for some good news. Enter Blue Jackets top prospect David Jiricek, who has been as advertised and then some. Drafted sixth overall in the 2022 […]

Vegas Knights Sign 2022 Draft Pick To Entry-Level Deal

The Vegas Golden Knights have signed their 2022 second-round pick (48th overall) Matyas Sapovaliv to a three-year entry-level contract worth $2.58 million, general manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed Monday. The annual salary cap hit will be $860,000. Sapovaliv, an 18-year-old forward out of Czechia, is a member of the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. So far […]

Examining if Columbus Blue Jackets first-round draft pick David Jiricek should be in the AHL or NHL

It is no secret the Columbus Blue Jackets have been bombarded with injuries. Both defensemen Zach Werenski and Jake Bean’s seasons are over. The Columbus blueline has been a patchwork, and the team’s top prospect, D- David Jiricek, is in Cleveland playing for the Monsters. But should he be? At 19 years old, Jiricek looks […]

Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski to miss the remainder of the season

In what has been a rough start to the 2022-’23 season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team received some bad news and one that will challenge depth and player development. Two-time All-Star defenseman, Zach Werenski, suffered a separated shoulder and torn labrum in Thursday night’s win against the Philadelphia Flyers. What does it mean […]

NHL’s Bottom of the Barrel: What’s Next?

There are currently five NHL teams who have fewer than 10-points this season. Those teams have played at least ten games, meaning their point percentage is well below .500. If you’re a fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, or the Ottawa Senators, you’ve probably started this season […]