The Columbus Blue Jackets have one of the worst rosters in the entire NHL, but for some reason, this is a team that just can't seem to find playing time for their top young names.
Blue Jackets struggling to build their bright, young talent
First it was Kent Johnston, who has now made his way into the lineup on a consistent basis, and now it's defenseman David Jiricek, who could find his way out of this organization soon.
Despite being the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Jiricek hasn't gotten the opportunities he believes he deserves, and it is becoming a major issue for the 20-year old.
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"I've played good hockey in the NHL. I am an NHL player right now. That's my opinion, I should be playing in the NHL right now."
"I see guys from the same draft, like Simon Nemec [in New Jersey] and [Kevin] Korchinski [in Chicago]. [...] They get their chance on the power play. They play a lot of minutes in the NHL. These are different teams, different situations, but I can compare myself to them. I just want the chance to play like them."
An incoming trade request for the young standout?
In recent times, Jiricek has spent more time in the AHL than he has the NHL, with Pascal Vincent giving him this advice as he struggles to crack the top roster.
"I told him one of the things I like about him is his character," Vincent shared on Friday. "He wants to be in the NHL and I love that. I told him, 'Don't lose that. That's what we want from you.'"
"This part of his game also reflects the way he plays on the ice. He has confidence."
The trade deadline is fast approaching, and while Columbus are likely to move veterans to get younger, if Jiricek can't crack the roster, no one could blame him if he looks to request a trade and find playing time elsewhere.
