I’m using the same layout as the Gauthier trade to ANA here as I think the comps can be very similar. Gauthier a young talented winger was traded for a top pairing RD and a 2nd pick. Obviously Jiricek is the young RD and I wonder about the value for a player like Laine being equal to a 2nd rounder.

Jiricek can be paired with one of Anaheim’s young stud defenders in Zelleweger or Mintyukov taking most of the defensive burden and Laine gets a new shot to restart his career in ANA top 6 and could earn another long term contract, but at worst he’s a stop gap until Sennecke is ready for NHL action.

For CBJ they add another dynamic Forward into the top 6 whether that’s at Center or at wing.

Would you take Corson Ceulemans instead of Jiricek? CBJ aren’t parting with Jiricek anytime soon.

The reason I chose Jiricek is due to a report from a while show where he wasn’t exactly happy with his role in CBJ last season as he felt he was promised a spot and it didn’t materialize. Obviously he is also a lot more of a finished prospect than Ceulmans as well.

I liked ceulmans in his draft year but he hasn’t exactly adapted greatly to the pro game which might hurt his value so I’d assume they’d want more of a sweetener

Nope

If Jiricek doesn’t learn gap control and how to skate backwards better, it won’t matter. Jarmo Kekelainen shouldn’t have told him to get a place to live in Columbus only to send him down shortly after, but Jarmo is gone and Jiricek showed that he wasn’t ready for NHL competition. There was probably value to be had in showing him that during a meaningless season, but Columbus curiously chose not to.