If the young Czech defender joins the Brantford Bulldogs, what would in mean for the team's roster?

With the sixteenth pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, the St. Louis Blues selected Czech defender Adam Jiricek.

At 6-foot-2, Jiricek is a big-bodied, two-way defender who excels at moving the puck up ice to his forwards. Some assumed that Jiricek would continue to play in Czechia like his older brother David Jiricek did after he was drafted by Columbus. It appears this may not be the case.

Late last week, Andy Stricklind put out a post on X saying it was sounding like Jiricek may play in the OHL for the Brantford Bulldogs, who drafted him in the 2023 CHL Import draft. 

While it remains to be seen whether or not this will come to fruition, the possibility is highly intriguing for Bulldogs and St Louis fans alike. 

The first question is why would Jiricek move from Czechia, where he has played all of his hockey up to this point?  

The most probably answer is that moving to the OHL would provide Jiricek the opportunity to adjust to the size of North American rinks as well as the style of play.

Most European leagues play on Olympic ice while North American leagues play on smaller ice surfaces. On the wider ice surface, puck possession and skating take pride of place, while on the narrower ice, aggressive forechecking and physical play tend to be emphasized. 

By coming to the OHL, Jiricek would gain the ability to adjust to these factors prior to joining the AHL or NHL. This would give him time to reset his game at a lower level. 

The seconds important question to consider is what will it mean for Brantford if they add Jiricek to their lineup?

The Bulldogs D-corps will lose two maybe three key players before the start of the season.

Daniil Sobolev aged out at the end of last season, while Tomas Hamara will join the Belleville Senators after signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators.

Cedricson Okitundu is one of five 2004-born players who could return this upcoming season. However, Brantford will only be able to roster four overaged players and can only play three at a time.  Okitundu therefore may not return depending on the Bulldogs' roster decisions.

The loss of three veteran players would put the Bulldogs D-corps in a state of transition to start the year. They do, however, have the ability to create a strong D-corps if certain players take key steps.

2005-born players like Lucas Moore, who led all Bulldogs defensemen in scoring after the departure of Jorian Donovan, and Noah Roberts will have to assume veteran roles. 

Owen Protz, fresh off his rookie campaign, should take a step forward in his development and take on a larger role for the team. The Montreal Canadiens drafted Protz in the fourth round of the 2024 Draft. He will be joined by fellow sophomore Daniel Chen.

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Two key names stand out amongst players who could transition to playing full time for the Bulldogs.

2007-born Noah Krimpotic played nine games for the Bulldogs last season and is certainly a candidate to make the jump up from the OJHL next season.

The Bulldogs also drafted Patrick Babin in the second round of the OHL Priority Selection. The young defender scored an impressive 36 points in 34 games last season with the Niagara North Stars. 

Jiricek could be a huge addition to stabilize the D-corps in Brantford. His size and two-way ability makes him a player that can be deployed in all situations. His international experience would also be a valuable addition to a group that is somewhat lacking in that department. 

At the end of the day Brantford has a group of defenders who will grow as the season goes on. Without Jiricek some younger players will be forced into full time action. What he truly provides is the ability to lean on older players and allow less experienced players like Babin and Krimpotic to mature at a slower pace.