Insider Chris Johnston Reports Eight Teams on Jiricek, One surprising Frontrunner, Trade expected

The 2022 6th overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets is reportedly unhappy to go back and forth from the AHL to the NHL and wants to secure a full-time NHL spot with another organization.

Many rumors about his possible destinations have circulated, but the insider Chris Johnston shared a new development on the Jiricek derby.

According to him, eight teams are in the running to get the young defenseman: the Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens, with the Minnesota Wild as top contenders.

He added that all these teams could be interested in parting ways with a prospect and a pick to get Jiricek and that he has a feeling a trade will happen soon:

Jiricek, 21, has two points, including one goal, in three AHL games this season with the Cleveland Monsters. He also took part in six games with the Blue Jackets this year, tallying one assist and a -4 rating.

He showed a lot of promise last season, scoring 11 points, including three goals, in 13 AHL playoff games, as well as 10 points in 43 NHL games.

The 6-foot-4 defenseman is set to have an amazing career in the NHL. Hopefully, he'll find a team that'll see his value and give him the right tools to become a top defenseman in the league.

On a side note, Jiricek is celebrating his 21st birthday today, and Allan Walsh marked the occasion with a post on X:

We wish him the best on this special day, and maybe he could use his birthday wish to ask for a trade. Just sayin'.