Recent sixth-round picks rarely become available via the trade market, particularly when the rebuilding team is shopping that player around. And yet, that's exactly where the Columbus Blue Jackets find themselves this Black Friday.

According to MoneyPuck, the Wild are controlling play with a 65.7 percent expected goal rate with his shutdown pair with Jonas Brodin and have only allowed 1.37 expected goals per 60 minutes with Brodin and Spurgeon on the ice. That’s third best in the NHL (minimum 90 minutes).

"There seems to be lots of thought at the Minnesota Wild are one of the frontrunners for Jiricek at this point."

It's never too early in the season for trade rumors, and the Minnesota Wild rarely get through the early part of the season without activity. Since Bill Guerin took over as general manager, he's been proactive at fixing holes on his roster,

The Minnesota Wild are reportedly the front-runners to acquire defenseman David Jiricek. Find out why the Wild are interested and what they might offer in a trade.

Speculation and reports increased about a potential David Jiricek trade, including what the Columbus Blue Jackets could want and which NHL teams should get him.

David Jiricek is at the center of NHL trade talks, with Nashville, Minnesota, and Philadelphia reportedly interested. Get the latest insider insights and analysis on this potential blockbuster deal.