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.

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.

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.