The Ryan Johansen/Seth Jones trade tree for the Columbus Blue Jackets continues to expand with the recent trade of David Jiricek by general manager Don Waddell. On January 6, 2016, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Seth Jones. On July 23, 2021, the Blue Jackets flipped Seth Jones with the 32nd overall pick (Nolan Allan) and a sixth round pick in 22 (Dominic James) for the 12th pick in 2021's draft (Cole Sillinger), Jiricek (sixth overall in 2022), Adam Boqvist (FLA), and the 44th pick in 2021 (Aleksi Heimosalmi), which was flipped to Carolina for Jake Bean (CGY). On June 24, 2023, Johansen was traded from Nashville to Colorado for Alex Galchenyuk with 50% salary retention on the Johansen contract. Galchenyuk walked as a free agent, ending the Preds' part of the deal.
 
On Saturday night, the 30th, the trade tree continues as Jiricek was flipped with a 2025 5th rounder to the Minnesota Wild for defenseman Daemon Hunt; a 2025 conditional first (top-5 protected), a 2026 third (COL) and fourth (TOR), and a 2027 second.
 
Waddell/Guerin
 
This is the first trade between the two general managers. Guerin and Columbus made multiple trades in Kekalainen's tenure, with the last trade being Gustav Nyquist on Feb. 28, 2023. The last trade Waddell made with Minnesota was Jan. 2019 in the Rask/Niederreiter move that might've cost Paul Fenton his GM job.
 
The Blockbuster
 
Seven pieces were moved over the Thanksgiving weekend with the Wild getting the move over the finish line as Nashville did offer a first round pick in their offer. Minnesota acquired two pieces.
 
RHD David Jiricek
 
Jiricek is the sixth overall draft pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, and has had one goal and ten assists in 53 NHL games with the Blue Jackets. After memorable runs in the WJC for Czechia, he is highly touted to become the future top right handed defenseman for the Wild. Jiricek also made it to the Easter Conference finals with AHL Cleveland last season against Hershey. The main rub this season has been his public display of words against Devan Evason/Don Waddell behind the scenes, as he has been told under the previous regime with Kekalinen that he was NHL ready to play full time in the league; where Wadell and Evason believe he is not ready. While not being happy with demotions and time in the press box, his opportunity is coming up for the Wild sometime this season. Jiricek will not see the Blue Jackets in a regular season game until 2025-2026. Skating is the start to work with for the club and Jiricek.
 
Jiricek and Fleury are both Allan Walsh clients on the Minneosta Wild.
 
2025 5th Round Pick (CBJ)
 
An early fifth round draft pick of Columbus, this could be looked at as a pick swap for the loss of a potential late first round pick.
 
Columbus acquired five pieces, including a defenseman and four draft picks over the next three drafts.
 
LHD Daemon Hunt
 
Hunt brings over 125 AHL games and 13 NHL games of experience to the Blue Jackets, and was a part of the Wild system under Dean Evason during his first brief NHL stint. Evason has one assist in 13 games with Minnesota. Hunt is expected to compete with Jack Johnson and Jordan Harris for ice time after his AHL stint with Cleveland. While being public about his time in Minny and wanting an opportunity on the main roster, his time is coming to be on the main roster in Columbus.
 
2025 Conditional First Round Pick (MIN)
 
Minnesota currently sits second best in the West and League behind Winnipeg. The condition of the trade is top five protected, else it becomes an unprotected 2026 first round pick. This is looking to be a strong draft early, but okay/good later down the line. Waddell will need to reset the prospect pool with his vision in Columbus and needs to get best player available.
 
2026 Third Round Pick (COL)
 
Oringally acquired for forward Brandon Duhaime from the Colorado Avalanche, the Wild give up their extra draft capital. The Jackets hold their own and the Avs' third round picks in 26.
 
2026 Fourth Round Pick (TOR)
 
Oringally acquired for forward Connor Dewar from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Wild give up their extra draft capital. The Jackets hold their own pick; the Rangers' fourth from the Roslovic deadline deal; and this pick from the Leafs.
 
2027 Second Round Pick (MIN)
 
After not having a second round pick in 2025 and 2026, the Jackets now hold two second round picks in 2027 with this pick and their own.
 
Both managers made trades to better their teams now and later on. The Wild get the now player in Jiricek and the Jackets get a defender that will play on the roster and multiple future picks that they either can select from or package to bolster the roster.

Models are saying the draft stock is near equal value for the departed Jiricek.
 
What say you?

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