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David Jiricek is one name that has lately been somewhat popular in the rumour mill. Former sixth overall choice by Columbus back in 2022 is Jiricek. If he is truly available, he is a 6’4 right shot defenseman and any team would most definitely line up for his services.

Still, Jiricek might fit the Canadiens perfectly. Particularly one of Jiricek’s size and potential, they need a right-shot defensiveman. But would it be worth it to get him, and could we truly see the Czech-born defenseman settle in Montreal?

Young Defenceman’s cost of acquisition for Montreal Canadiens
Defenceman Jiricek not suited for Columbus
Jiricek has not been given a real chance in Columbus, even though he has tallied 59 points in 86 career games in the AHL. This is mostly due to the blue line of the Jackets getting packed.

Among their defense are Werenski, Provorov, Severson, and Gudbranson. They also recently acquired Dante Fabbro and have former hab Jordan Harris. This ignores prospect Denton Mateychuk, who is also fighting for a spot in Columbus.

Jiricek has clearly been lost in the mix given all these defensemen on the roster. Given his performance in the AHL at just 20 years old, he would be a regular in most other clubs’ defensive corps already. From some of these blue-liners, the Blue Jackets will have to go on from to create space for Jiricek or deal him elsewhere where he can be given a meaningful NHL chance.

Where Defenceman Jiricek fits on Canadiens, should he be acquired he would instantly be placed in the top-six on the backend. He brings to the blueline the Canadiens lack a component of size and skill. He also boasts a higher ceiling than any Habs blueliner other than perhaps Lane Hutson.

Jiricek is consistent defensively and nimble for a big defender, hence he could be a great future partner for Hutson. For the future, the Canadiens have just Mailoux and Reinbacher predicted on the right side. Mailloux is still developing in the minors, though, and injuries have pushed David Reinbacher back.

On the Canadiens defensive depth chart Jiricek would be above of Justin Barron, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj. One of them would also probably be dispatched in a Jiricek exchange to Columbus. Savard’s contract expires this season as well, thus there is now and going forward room on the Habs blue line for a player like David Jiricek.

Purchase Cost
Given David Jiricek was a top-ten choice two years ago, the cost of getting him would not be low. A young defenseman would most likely be going the other way. Struble and Barron are the most qualified applicants. They might also do a Reinbacher for Jiricek as, upon his return, Reinbacher requires further seasoning in the minors.

For some time he would not be able to break the congested blueline for the Jackets, hence this move would provide the required growth period. The Canadiens most certainly do not want to acknowledge failure by forfeiting their top-five choice, though, and they might also view the trade as a lateral move. A move for Jiricek probably has to be a package transaction.

Potential trade package: Justin Barron, Filip Mesar, second round choice 2025

Different Defense Objectives
Apart from Jiricek, the Habs could aim some other right-shot defender. Rasmus Andersson would be the most notable and expensive model available. Rumours about his name have also surfaced from the start of the season. The Canadiens might, however, wish for someone younger and with more length on their contract. Given their great start to the season thus far, the Flames might not be seeking to move off their top defenseman.

One further intriguing name is Alexandre Carrier of the Nashville Predators. Given the Predators’ terrible start to the season, the 28-year-old is probably going to be sold at the deadline. He also enjoys the bonus of being from Quebec.

Still, Jiricek ought to be the Canadiens main objective. His ceiling is far higher than that of either of the two named defencemen. At just 20 years old, he fits their schedule exactly and they would be able to dominate him for longer. Although his price tag is somewhat hefty, the Canadiens can afford to part from the assets in order to obtain a player of David Jiricek’s quality.