Blue Jackets Trade Jiricek to Wild for Daemon Hunt and 2025 First-Round Pick

The Columbus Blue Jackets traded David Jiricek and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Minnesota Wild for Daemon Hunt, a 2025 first-round pick (top-five protected), and additional future picks. Despite Jiricek's potential as a top-four defenseman, his inconsistent play and skating concerns led to a diminished trade value. The Blue Jackets' return is seen as a poor investment, given Jiricek was a high draft pick in 2022. Minnesota receives a promising player who may benefit from a change of scenery.