23 Options for the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2024 NHL Draft - Adam Jiricek

INTRODUCTION

Adam Jiricek is a 6'2 RHD from Czechia who haas been one of this draft's most talked about prospects for the past few years. The brother of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman and first round pick David, Adam got compared as to potentially being on the same level as his older brother, who went 6th in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

Adam Jiricek - 2023-24 Stats (via EliteProspects)

Like his brother, Adam was heavily seen as a top talent out of Czechia and Europe from a young age. Jiricek is more of a pure defensive defenseman with good offense as opposed to the more two-way abilities of David at the same age. Jiricek debuted in the Czech Extraliga at the age of 16, playing 27:50 in his debut for HC Plzen, the same team as his brother.

Adam didn't get the same full like looks as David in their draft eligible -1 season, just 2 assists in 12 games vs David's 3 goals and 9 points in 34 games, but nonetheless there was a lot to like in Adam's defensive maturity and ability to handle big minutes and larger, stronger opponents. There is a bit of size concern, as Jiricek is 167lbs, compared to David being 190 in his draft year. It was noticeable that Jiricek still had some bulking up to do.

Despite his questions, Jiricek is still ranked favorably by scouts, although closer to Toronto's range. Jiricek is rnaked 24th by TSN's Craig Button, 27th by DobberProspects. Jiricek is ranked highly by Tony Ferrari of "The Hockey News' at 12th.

Jiricek had already avoided a potential serious injury earlier in the season while playing against men in Czechia. Luckily, that hit didn't keep him out long. But his luck didn't last for long.

Jiricek missed all of 2024 due to his injury. Where some of his fellow prospects either rose or fell over their question marks, there's a lot of guesswork that's going to have to happen at the draft, even from teams that feel confident on him and the knowledge of his status.