ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Wild (26-11-4) host the Colorado Avalanche (25-16-1) tonight before going on the road. They will play the Avalanche with a few key guys out.
The Wild will be without defensemen Jonas Brodin, Brock Faber, and Jared Spurgeon tonight. Arguably their three best defensemen. That be said, it will be a chance for David Jiricek to make his Wild debut.
Related: Wild Will Be Without Jonas Brodin Tonight Vs Avalanche
Jiricek, 21, was the Columbus Blue Jackets sixth overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft. He has played in 11 games with the Iowa Wild after the trade and has two assists.
The Iowa Wild play the same structure as the Wild so they guys who play for the AHL team know what will be expected of them at the NHL if they get a chance.
“I know the structure from Iowa, so it’s the same style hockey,” Jiricek said. “Obviously it’s a little bit quicker, so I’ll just have to be smart about it, but I’m just gonna play my games. And my game is jumping up in the play and then be the guy on offense and play my game in the d-zone. Just play hockey.”
Despite being without many key guys, tonight will be an opportunity for Jiricek to show the staff what he’s got.
“I’m so excited for the opportunity,” Jiricek said. “I hope I’m gonna play good and show the coaches that I’m the one.”
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