I do not think the headline is as "real" as reality. I wouldn't be surprised if Jiricek is traded by the deadline but I would be surprised if he was traded before the end of November, for example.
I do not think the headline is as "real" as reality. I wouldn't be surprised if Jiricek is traded by the deadline but I would be surprised if he was traded before the end of November, for example.
This certainly goes against the great Sam Pollock's philosophy on developing young players, but teams are also more likely to shuffle along prospects when they see significant turnover in the front office the way that Columbus has because the GM has no ties to those prospects. Not a perfect comparable, but Don Waddell was he GM of record for the big Hanifin/Lindholm for Hamilton/Ferland/Fox trade within his first month in Carolina. He also swung the Heatley/Hossa deal in Atlanta after just three seasons in the league for Heatley. He will absolutely move young players if they aren't drinking the koolaid.
But I don't think anyone is debating the validity of a trade happening eventually, however a trade happening imminently doesn't necessarily fit for the Blue Jackets maxing out their return. Remember how long Joe Sakic waited to deal Matt Duchene? More established player, but patience remains a virtue.