Judd Brackett Talks About David Jiricek's Future With Wild

With the 2025 NHL Draft just over a week away, the Minnesota Wild's director of amateur scouting, Judd Brackett, was able to sit down and have a chat over at The Athletic. One of the more interesting things he touched on wasn't about the Wild's plans for the upcoming draft, but it was about an existing player.

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On David Jiricek: “The hallmark of David’s game is his compete level. You’ve got the huge, hulking frame, 6-4, right shot. Moves well enough; it’s still an area he continues to work on. But you see him off the ice, he’s still very much got pounds to put on and man strength to come. I think with that you’ll see more strength, more balance, more engagement on the ice. He plays a very assertive game, loves to pinch at the offensive blue line and get involved. He has a huge shot.

“At the time of his draft year, he already had played in a men’s league, had world junior experience, had been on the big stage and a leader for his team nationally. He’s a player we believe in. He just needs a bit of streamlining in his development path. There’s been a lot of ups and downs for him. That speaks to the caliber of player — he’s so close that, at times, you think he’s ready. But sometimes he needs a little bit more seasoning. A player we’re excited about. Great attitude, comes to work every day. It’s a really hard player to find. Right shot with that size with that pedigree. Looking at your defense for under-23 with (Brock) Faber, Buium and Jiricek, there’s a lot to be excited about.”

Ever since coming over from the Columbus Blue Jackets mid-season, Jiricek has had a tumultuous time in Minnesota. Injuries, scratches, up and down between Iowa and St. Paul -- just things that do not help a 21-year-old defenseman feel comfortable. Good to know that he is very much still considered a priority.

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