The Toronto Maple Leafs have a blue-line that is alright but lacks a high-end option. Additionally, they do not have any NHL players with any upside as their blue-line is quite old, while their top prospects are all forwards or middle-of-the-lineup defenseman.
The Toronto Maple Leafs could benefit from the Columbus Blue Jackets crowded blue line. Specifically, we’re talking about former 6th overall pick David Jiricek.
The Blue Jackets' relatively strong start put the team in limbo. The solid start opened the door for an unexpected playoff appearance. That situation prompted GM Don Waddell to pump the brakes on wheeling and dealing in his first season at the helm in Columbus.
However, the Blue Jackets have cooled off. They are now in last place in the Metro Division with 12 points. That point total ties Columbus with the Montreal Canadiens for the worst point total in the Eastern Conference. Moreover, the Habs, Blue Jackets, and Anaheim Ducks are all tied for last place in the league.
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to trade for disgruntled CBJ future superstar
So, it seems now that the Blue Jackets are ready to turnover a part of their roster. Part of that turnover began with claiming former Nashville Predator Dante Fabbro off waivers. That move forced Jiricek down the depth chart and he has only gotten into five games so far this year.
Jiricek was healthy scratch in the Blue Jackets’ last game, further fuelling speculation about his future with the team. Jiricek, a former sixth-overall pick, has expressed his frustration over the lack of playing time in Columbus.
Furthermore, the return of injured forward Kent Johnson demands the Blue Jackets open another roster spot. That situation could mean the waivers-exempt Jiricek could be headed back to the AHL. While the move assures that Jiricek gets more playing time, it could also potentially make an exciting young player available in a trade.
Jiricek has a high ceiling as he’s still just 20. He is 6'4 and has already made the AHL allstar team as one of the youngest players to ever do so. According to Corey Pronman, he is a "top of the lineup" player who would go top-three in a 2022 re-draft.
The cost to trade for a recent top-ten pick who has only gotten better and more hyped since he was drafted is going to be extremely high. The Blue Jackets are not just going to give Jiricek away, and the Leafs do not have any obvious trade assets that would get it done.
The Leafs top prospect is Easton Cowan, and a Cowan for Jiricek swap likely isn't realistic at this point. However, it is a decent starting point and the Leafs could sweeten the deal with futures, or young players such as Nick Robertson or Topi Niemela. The cost would be huge, but when do you get the chance to add a 6'4 right-handed offensive defenseman who hits and is mean to your lineup?
At the end of the day, the Leafs lose nothing in kicking the tires on David Jiricek. It could be that the Leafs can benefit from the Blue Jackets giving up on Jiricek.