All Signs Point To Recent Sixth Overall Pick Asking For A Trade

The Former 6th overall pick was recently demoted to the AHL. This was a bit surprising to some as he seems to be a capable NHL level defender already. He has a goal and 8 assists in 36 games this year despite playing a 3rd line role and getting no powerplay time. The rookie defenseman expressed his disappointment in being demoted. He also expressed frustration in the fact that he has not gotten a bigger opportunity with the club this year.

Jiricek has a fair point. His results in the NHL have been far from bad and he's been playing with a chip on his shoulder in the AHL. He is currently tied for 6th in the team in +/-, second among defenseman only behind Zach Werenski.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old defenseman has proved that he belongs in the NHL since being demoted to Cleveland. In seven games with the Monsters he has three goals and is a perfect point-per-game.

Notably, all three of his goals came in the same contest as well as he secured his first career hat trick in professional hockey. Goal scoring is something the Blue Jackets have struggled with this season so perhaps it would make sense for them to call him up after such a performance.

Granted, Jiricek has just one NHL goal so far in his career, but that is not for a lack of skill. Rather the team has not put him in the best position to succeed at the NHL level yet.

As seen on Recent Sixth Overall Pick Reportedly On the Verge of Demanding a Trade