It’s pretty clear already that the Oilers’ biggest need before the trade deadline is adding a right-shot defenceman to play alongside Darnell Nurse.
In an article by Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal , he notes that the Oilers have spoken to the Columbus Blue Jackets about Jiříček, noting he’s physical and a good defender. The 20-year-old was sent to the Blue Jackets’ American Hockey League team last week, sparking trade rumours.
To add more kerosene to the fire, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli appeared on Sportsnet 650 and noted that a trade involving Jiříček is imminent, and it won’t be the Vancouver Canucks that acquire him. Seravalli reported that it will happen in the next day or two.
So what’s with all the hype around this young player? Columbus selected the right-shot defenceman sixth overall in the 2022 draft after three seasons of playing professionally in Czechia. He hasn’t had much of an opportunity with the abysmal Blue Jackets, scoring 11 points over 53 games at the NHL level.
Jiříček has only played eight games all season, six with Columbus and two with their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters. He’s proven to be an efficient scorer in the minors, potting seven goals and 19 points in 29 games last season, as well as six goals and 38 points in 55 games in 2022-23.
There’s a lot of talent and upside here, but there are a couple of important questions to ask. Do the Oilers have the assets for Jiříček? And does he even fit on their roster?
Edmonton’s farm system is barren, as their only first-round pick remaining from the past six drafts is Sam O’Reilly, who the team traded a future first-round pick to draft at 32nd overall a few months ago. With the London Knights this season, he has five goals and 14 points in 21 games, not what you want to see from the 32nd-overall pick.
Also, the Oilers also lack their first-round and second-round picks this season. The first was moved to select O’Reilly at the 2024 draft and the Oilers traded their 2025 second-round pick to dump Zack Kassian’s contract a few years ago.
However, they acquired the St. Louis Blues’ second-round pick in compensation for losing Philip Broberg, as well as their third-rounder for the loss of Dylan Holloway. So, all told, the Oilers have picks in the second, third, sixth, and seventh rounds in 2025, and all of their picks in 2026.
The other question isn’t as simple. On paper, Jiříček would fit in nicely alongside Darnell Nurse as he’s a right-shot defenceman who can move the puck effectively. That said, Jiříček has played just 53 games at the NHL level and the Oilers would likely prefer a veteran rather than somebody who’s going through the learning process of adjusting to the highest level.
It’d be nice if the Oilers could acquire Jiříček, as he’d fill a long-term hole on the right side of the team’s defence, but the cost of acquiring the former top draft pick is going to be far too steep. He might be the right player at the wrong time for the Stanley Cup hopefuls.
