David Jiricek will make a wild debut tonight vs the Avalanche

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Wild (26-11-4) host the Colorado Avalanche (25-16-1) tonight before going on the road. They are going to play the Avalanche with a few key men out.

The Wild will be without defenders Jonas BrodinBrock Faber and Jared Spurgeon tonight. Arguably their three best defenders. That 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 of the 2022 NHL Draft. He has played in 11 games with the Iowa Wild since the trade and has two assists.

The Iowa Wild play the same structure as the Wild, so the guys who play for the AHL team know what is expected of them in the NHL if they get a chance.

“I know the structure from Iowa, so it’s the same style of hockey,” Jiricek said. “Obviously it’s a little bit faster, so I’m just going to have to be smart about it, but I’m just playing my games. And my game jumps into the play and then be the attacker and play my game. in d— the zone just play hockey.”

Related: ‘I hated to put him in the deal, but I had to’: Wild’s Bill Guerin felt trade demon hunt was worth what David Jiricek brings

Despite being without many key players, 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 will play well and show the coaches that it is me.”

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