Jiricek, who turned 21 on Thursday, was the sixth overall pick in the 2022 draft. He has one goal and 10 assists in 53 career NHL games — all with Columbus.

He’s not 30, he’s not a rental. He’s a 21-year-old defenseman that we can invest in. And we did. That’s how I look at it. It’s an investment,’ Guerin said.

Although his development may take some time, the Minnesota Wild's acquisition of defenseman David Jiricek gives them a potentially elite blueline for the future.