Many sources have indicated that Kent Hughes is currently active in the NHL trade market.

Clearly, the Canadiens’ GM is looking for a great opportunity, and this golden opportunity might just be in Columbus.

As the excellent Marco Normandin points out, there is a major logjam on defense with the Blue Jackets, and an exceptional talent might be the one to pay the price.

David Jiricek Available on the Trade Market

It should also be mentioned that the relationship between Jiricek and the Blue Jackets has always been a bit odd, as he’s unable to secure the role he deserves in the NHL, despite impressive production elsewhere (notably in the AHL).

And now they’ve added another layer to the issue.

The Blue Jackets have just claimed defenseman Dante Fabbro off waivers.

They now have Zach Werenski, Ivan Provorov, Jake Christiansen, Damon Severson, Jack Johnson, David Jiricek, Jordan Harris, and Dante Fabbro competing for their six regular defense spots in the NHL.

The Jiricek situation is starting to look a lot like the Yaroslav Askarov case, and another demotion to the AHL could really signal the end of their relationship.

As soon as Fabbro arrived in Columbus, Jiricek was immediately sent to the press box.

«We recall last year when team management was heavily criticized for sending him down to the AHL when everyone said he was ready for the NHL. However, it’s now a new management team and a new head coach, but we’re seeing a similar scenario.» – Marco Normandin

Serious rumors are now circulating that Jiricek might be traded by the Blue Jackets.

If he does indeed become available on the market, Kent Hughes absolutely must seize this rare opportunity.

Journalist and insider Elliotte Friedman also mentioned:

«Friedman talks about how Fabbro’s arrival affects Jiricek:

‘He (Don Waddell) is a new GM, so he wouldn’t have the same attachment to Jiricek that Jarmo Kekalainen would have, so what does this mean for a player there?’» – NHL Watcher

It’s really interesting.

This is definitely a story to follow, and it could truly be a golden opportunity for the Montreal Canadiens, who are already very familiar with David Jiricek, as they likely studied him closely before the 2022 draft, where Montreal had a high pick.

Jiricek, only 20 years old, is a 6’4″, 205-pound right-shot defenseman. He was drafted 6th overall (1st round) in 2022 and recorded 30 points in 43 games in the AHL last season.

He really has a perfect profile for the Canadiens!