So, check it out. In an apparent move that had everyone talking, the Columbus Blue Jackets juggled their squad and sent David Jiricek, who’s been touted as one of the next big things, packing to the AHL. It’s not like he’s been lighting up the scoreboard with his whopping one goal and nine assists, but irrespective of his ho-hum season, eyebrows arched when he was the guy to catch the bus to Cleveland.
Plot twist, though – it’s not a farewell tour. Aaron Portzline, that scribe over at The Athletic, spilled the beans that Jiricek’s AHL stint is a mere week-long intermission. Word has it the Jackets hope a few victorious laps with the Monsters will puff up his confidence in time for the club’s grand tour on wheels before the All-Star extravaganza.
Listen, the weight of the world was pretty much dropped on the kid’s shoulders at the season’s start – predictably, that’s a tough act to follow. And with the Blue Jackets giving him under 15 minutes a night to show his stuff, plus stiff-arming him from both the powerplay and the penalty kill, well, let’s just say they haven’t exactly set the stage for a breakout performance.
Switching over to the Metro sideshow, out of nowhere – bam – Patrick Roy becomes the head honcho for the New York Islanders. The million-dollar question popped: Is this a sneak peek of more changes on the coaching staff? Islanders’ GM, the one and only Lou Lamoriello, basically told everyone to chill; the bench is staying put as is.
And finally, Erik Gustafsson of the New York Rangers is hitting the sidelines, nursing what’s been labeled a “lower-body” mystery. Here’s a dude delivering serious bang for their buck, making plays and pocketing points like it’s his job (I mean, it is his job). Sat out the latest clash and left his posse missing that second-ranked blue-liner magic. Oh, and by the by, his tidy little contract is only costing the Rangers $825K this season. A steal, if you ask pretty much anyone.