The Columbus Blue Jackets recently traded defenseman David Jiricek to the Minnesota Wild, with the Philadelphia Flyers showing interest but ultimately missing out. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noted that Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell preferred to send Jiricek to the Western Conference rather than a Metropolitan Division rival.

Waddell's strategy reflects a desire to avoid strengthening a divisional opponent, as trading within the division could lead to facing Jiricek frequently as an adversary. The focus now shifts to how Jiricek will perform with the Wild.