The Sabres can check this former trade target off their wish list.
The Buffalo Sabres were one of the clubs linked to defenseman David Jiricek. However, he can now be officially taken off the Sabres' wish list.
The Columbus Blue Jackets traded Jiricek and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2025 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and defenseman Daemon Hunt.
Jiricek, 21, could have been an excellent addition for the Sabres. This is because he is a big, right-shot defenseman who has high potential. It is no secret that the Sabres could use some help on the right side of their defense, and Jiricek would have had the potential to provide them with a long-term option.
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However, the Wild also gave up a lot to get Jiricek, so the price to get the promising youngster may have simply been too high for Buffalo. As a team on the rise, it would have been risky for the Sabres to part ways with multiple draft picks like the surging Wild did.
In six games this season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Jiricek had one assist and a minus-2 rating. He also had two goals and an assist in four games with the Cleveland Monsters this campaign before the trade.
