Summer Spotlight: Jiricek impressed in his first year with CBJ

Number:55

Birth date: Nov. 28, 2003 (age 19)

Birthplace: Klatovy, Czech Republic

Height, Weight: 6-3, 189

2022-23 Stats: 4 GP, 0-0-0

Contract: Signed through 2025-26 season (Three years remaining until RFA status)

By any measure, David Jiricek's first year of pro hockey was a major success.

Jiricek was chosen sixth overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2022 draft out of the top Czech league, then signed with Columbus to begin his career in North America. He spent most of the season with Cleveland of the AHL and was a force, posting a 6-32-38 line in 55 games.

That mark left him atop the heap of rookie defenseman at the Triple-A level when it comes to points per game. Jiricek was also particularly adept on the power play, posting four goals and 20 assists with the man advantage.

His strengths are obvious, and there's a lot to be excited about for CBJ fans. His size and length, particularly with his long stick, already make him an imposing player on the defensive side, and he figures to get stronger and better in one-on-one-battles as he gets older. Jiricek also can clearly run a power play thanks to good vision and a booming shot, and he has more skill than he's given credit for given how his big frame stands out.

Add it all up and many think Jiricek, who has consistently been rated among the top 10 drafted prospects in the game by NHL observers this summer, is a future No. 1 defenseman on the right side.

"Obviously he was highly touted coming out of the draft," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "We saw it in training camp how he sees the game, how he thinks it. He goes to the American League, is an All-Star there, which is a hard thing to do, especially as a young guy. He goes to the World Juniors, he's the best player on the ice. Each game he played up here, he got better."

His performance earned him a couple of call-ups to the Blue Jackets, though the NHL level showed where he needs to get better, as he finished scoreless and minus-4 in four games. He tries to play an aggressive game and cut down angles, but his foot speed will need to continue to improve. Jiricek will also continue to learn the game as he goes, the same as any defenseman, but his ceiling appears to be quite high.

Top Moment of 2022-23

While Jiricek had some great experiences at the pro level, his top moment took place in the Maritimes when he was with the Czechia squad in the World Junior Championships. Jiricek was named the top defenseman at the U-20 tournament thanks to a 3-4-7 line, and he scored the game-tying goal in a semifinal win over Sweden in the final minute. Jiricek's blast from the left point got through for a game-tying goal, sending Jiricek streaming to the Czechia bench to celebrate with his teammates. Czechia won in overtime to reach the final for the first time since 2001, eventually earning a silver medal with an OT loss to Canada in the gold medal game.

Jiricek's Top Highlight

Watch: Youtube Video

Stat to Know

A common theme throughout these spotlights with the Blue Jackets' young players is how advanced they are compared to their peers, and Jiricek is no exception. Just five players from the 2022 draft debuted in the NHL a season ago, with Jiricek joined by top overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky of Montreal, No. 4 pick Shane Wright of Seattle, eighth overall pick Marco Kasper of Detroit and second-rounder Owen Beck of Montreal. Though he did not end up actually playing in the AHL All-Star Game, Jiricek was the second-youngest player in the modern era to be named to the contest. He's checked off every box prior to the NHL level to this point.

2023-24 Expectations

The additions of Damon Severson and Ivan Provorov put Jiricek in a good spot. After acing the AHL, if he shows up ready to go, he can slot into the lineup for the Blue Jackets right away. But there's no reason to rush Jiricek, and defensemen can always learn more and more about the game at his age. In other words, if either Jiricek needs more seasoning or some more veteran players grab a spot ahead of him, there's no issue with him starting the season in Cleveland and getting better while playing big minutes. It wouldn't be a huge surprise, though, to see him assert himself as someone who's ready now.