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Top young Blue Jackets defenseman could be traded as early as tonight and the Oilers are the front-runners

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Daniel Lucente
November 26, 2024  (10:30)
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David Jiricek of the Columbus Blue Jackets seen during an NHL game
Photo credit: HockeySverige

An NHL insider has revealed the Columbus Blue Jackets are very close to trading David Jiricek, which could happen as early as tonight, and the Oilers are front-runners.

The Edmonton Oilers, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division with an 11-9-2 record, have shown glimpses of the form that propelled them to last season's Stanley Cup Final. Still, their inconsistency does remain a concern.

Fresh off a weekend win over the New York Rangers, the Oilers don't play again until Friday against the Utah Hockey Club.

According to TSN insider Darren Dreger via Karman Gill, this break is a chance for GM Ken Holland to work the phones on potential trades.

«There isn't panic in Edmonton about their defense, but there is definite concern,» Dreger said. "There is a chance that the Oilers may pull the trigger early in acquiring a defenseman."


Dreger suggested that a trade could be coming, saying the Oilers are very much in the market to add some depth on their blueline. The defenseman market is tight, but there are a few who could become available as the trade deadline nears.

Another elite option, Columbus defenseman David Jiricek, has been reported to potentially be on the move at any time in a trade, even as early as tonight, and it remains to be seen whether Edmonton would have the ammunition to land him.

Other names mentioned in Oilers rumors in the past include Philadelphia's Ivan Provorov and Pittsburgh's Marcus Pettersson.

"League sources said the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks have interest in [Petterson], and there's every reason to believe other teams will covet him," Josh Yohe of The Athletic reported on Nov. 18.


The Oilers have given up 69 goals this season and scored 64, leaving them at a minus-5 goal differential, even after holding the Rangers to just two goals on Saturday.

A defensive reinforcement could bring some much-needed stability and reduce the team's heavy reliance on offensive production.

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Top young Blue Jackets defenseman could be traded as early as tonight and the Oilers are the front-runners

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