David Jiricek is an exceptional two-way defenseman who really helps drive the transition play with his mobility and his puck skills. He possesses a ton of patience and poise with the puck on his stick, using his head to scan the play, oftentimes looking like a veteran well above his age. He rarely rushes a decision with the puck, scanning all possible options before delivering a pass. His passing is one of his best attributes, making strong outlet dishes from the defensive zone to push the play up ice. There is not a pass on the ice that he doesn’t feel he can’t make, which makes it even more impressive that he rarely forces a low percentage pass that’ll result in a turnover. His size and high-end skating make him a force at the defensive end of the ice. His ability to defend the rush is top-notch, using his body and stick to maintain solid gap control and easily steer oncoming attackers away from the center lane and completely negating their offensive momentum. Like any young player, there is some mental errors in his game that will start to disappear as he gets older and gains more playing experience and maturity. There are some mistimed pinches at times, leaving him having to race back to catch the play after getting burnt. On occasion, he tries to add some creativity in his game, from a little stutter-step at the blue line to a squeeze down the boards. This tends to end up in a turnover, so he should try to keep his game a little simpler. He projects as a top-pairing defenseman who will be heavily relied on to play in all situations in the NHL. Jiricek has the physical gifts and the skillset to make a massive impact from the back end. It would not be a surprise if he is the first defenseman taken in the NHL Draft.

– FCHockey’s 2022 NHL Draft Guide