Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ) defenseman Zach Werenski was injured blocking a shot in Detroit, leading to the emergency recall of David Jiricek from AHL Cleveland. Jiricek, the 6th overall pick in 2022, was added to the roster as Werenski's replacement. Werenski's availability for the game against Colorado was uncertain, with Jiricek on standby. Ultimately, Werenski played, and Jiricek was a healthy scratch. Subsequently, forward James Malatesta was emergency-recalled, replacing Jiricek on the roster.
#NEWS: We have recalled F Brian Halonen from Utica (AHL).
Sounds like #CBJ David Jiricek didn’t make it back to Cleveland from Las Vegas in time to play tonight for @monstershockey vs. @TheHersheyBears. A lost weekend - no games at either level - for one of the Blue Jackets’ top prospects.
#CBJ have made an emergency recall of forward James Malatesta from @monstershockey. David Jiricek has been assigned back to AHL Cleveland. Malatesta, a first-year pro, has 12-9-21 and 79 PIMs in 53 games with AHL Cleveland.
TRANSACTIONS: #CBJ have added forward James Malatesta to the roster on emergency recall from @monstershockey and assigned defenseman David Jiricek to @TheAHL club. https://t.co/jKNlgBxrzM
#CBJ NEWS: The Blue Jackets have added forward James Malatesta on emergency recall from @monstershockey and assigned defenseman David Jiricek to Cleveland. https://t.co/FFmUFXfHZH
#CBJ Zach Werenski will play tonight vs. #GoAvsGo. David Jiricek a healthy scratch.
Zach Werenski a game-time decision tonight in Colorado — he’s gonna skate here shortly to see how he feels — with David Jiricek here to go in if he can’t go. Elvis Merzlikins gets the start against the Avs tonight. #CBJ
Jiricek recalled from @monstershockey on emergency basis. Will join the #CBJ in Denver, where Zach Werenski is questionable to play Friday after blocking a shot Tuesday in Detroit.
#CBJ have made the recall of David Jiricek official. If Zach Werenski is able to play vs. #GoAvsGo on Friday, Jiricek may hop a return flight from Denver to Cleveland. Werenski was hurt blocking a shot in Tuesday’s OT loss in Detroit.
#CBJ has a back-to-back tomorrow/Saturday and Zach Werenski blocked that shot late vs. Detroit, so the recall of David Jiricek will provide some cover should he not be able to go.
#CBJ NEWS: The Blue Jackets have added defenseman David Jiricek to the roster on emergency recall from @monstershockey. The 20-year-old defenseman was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 daft. https://t.co/VKwsxMiaVo
TRANSACTION: #CBJ have added defenseman David Jiricek to the roster on emergency recall from @monstershockey. https://t.co/PKfBTbWJWn
They’re probably going to recall another D from Cleveland. Werenski was hobbling significantly after the game in Detroit and now isn’t practicing two days later. #CBJ https://t.co/gNpzMnhHLb
#CBJ expected to recall a defenseman from AHL Cleveland in case Zach Werenski isn't available to play vs. #GoAvsGo on Friday. Werenski not practice today. Sounds like it's David Jiricek who gets the recall. We shall see. On a five-game roadie, extra players would be helpful.
Same 12 forwards for #CBJ at practice in Denver but Zach Werenski not on the ice after that late shot block in Detroit.