RUMOR: Toronto Maple Leafs Linked to Towering 6 Foot 4 Defenceman
The Columbus Blue Jackets have some very exciting young talent coming through the organization, but unfortunately, it appears as though they're rubbing them the wrong way.
A former top-pick shows frustration with his role
One of the most exciting of all is David Jiricek, a defenseman that was drafted No. 6 overall back in the 2022 NHL Draft, but in recent times, he's expressed frustration with the organization.
"I played good hockey in the NHL. I'm an NHL player right now. That's my opinion, that I should be in the NHL right now. I see guys from the same draft, like Simon Nemec and Korchinski they get a chance on the power play. They play a ton of minutes in the NHL. Those are different teams, so different situations, but I can compare with them. I just want a chance to play like that," said Jiricek.
Must read on Daily Hockey Dose
Toronto eyeing the towering defenseman
With these comments, Jiricek could certainly rub those in the organization that support him and people from other teams in the wrong way, and it may ultimately lead to him staying in the AHL for the remainder of the year or being traded.
In 36 games this year, Jiricek has posted 1 goal and 9 points, and given that the team are expected to move some veterans ahead of the trade deadline, his time could be coming, but if he does want a trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs may be one team that could come calling.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Jiricek could be the perfect young piece for the Toronto Maple Leafs blue line, and if he is indeed up for trade, this is a team that may give up significant assets to land a key piece of their defense for the 2023-24 campaign and beyond.
As Read on Hockey Patrol - A 6-foot-4 Right-Handed Defenseman May Soon Request a Trade
| POLL | ||
29 JANVIER | 277 ANSWERS RUMOR: Toronto Maple Leafs Linked to Towering 6 Foot 4 Defenceman Will Jiricek request a trade during this season? | ||
| Yes | 213 | 76.9 % |
| No | 64 | 23.1 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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