Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell was wise to move Jiricek now, before his inability to crack the NHL became a bigger concern.

The David Jiricek saga finally came to an end this past weekend. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild worked out a deal to send Jiricek and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Wild in exchange for a top-five protected 2025 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and defenseman Daemon Hunt.

Over the last few weeks, trade rumors around David Jiricek reached a fever pitch. The Columbus Blue Jackets explored their options as it became clear that things would not work out in Columbus. Jiricek played in the AHL as he awaited news of his future.