Which defenseman prospect arrives first?

[the miracle]

I don't really follow the minor leagues - I know Lindstein is in the AHL and Jiricek is in the OHL, so I would have assumed Lindstein makes it to the Blues first. But then I also heard a fairly promising update on Jiricek on the radio last week that he's been doing really well.

I want both players to succeed on the Blues, but is there any chance that Jiricek leapfrogs Lindstein?

[Sophisticated Shoes]

Lindstein is playing against men, he'll certainly make the Blues before Jiricek, who's still playing catch up from his injuries, and time missed playing. We still may see Skinner or someone else prior to Lindstein, but I think you're just wondering if Jiricek can leapfrog Lindstein, which is possible, but I believe Theo is ready now, or on the door step.

[seattleblue]

Lindstein, easily.

Looking forward to seeing Jiricek at WJC. His point production in the first half of his 19 year old juniors season is giving everyone a distorted picture of his development because he's on a team that comes in waves of offense and he is one piece of the whole but it's not being generated by him as the support beam. Jiricek's juniors team is likely to be playing longer than the Blues or Springfield this season, so the next time he will be with the Blues is this upcoming summer/fall.

Incidentally, Blues just played Tampa who had D'Astous on their roster. He was the top defenseman on Lindstein's Swedish team last year and I wondered why he was not in the NHL, now he is. Offensive defenseman, a little risky defensively. Charles D'Anton D'Ambrosious D'Astous.

[the miracle]

Lindstein is playing against men, he'll certainly make the Blues before Jiricek, who's still playing catch up from his injuries, and time missed playing. We still may see Skinner or someone else prior to Lindstein, but I think you're just wondering if Jiricek can leapfrog Lindstein, which is possible, but I believe Theo is ready now, or on the door step.

Good info, thank you! Going through the calculus if we see one of these guys if/when Faulk gets dealt.

[the miracle]

Lindstein, easily.

Looking forward to seeing Jiricek at WJC. His point production in the first half of his 19 year old juniors season is giving everyone a distorted picture of his development because he's on a team that comes in waves of offense and he is one piece of the whole but it's not being generated by him as the support beam. Jiricek's juniors team is likely to be playing longer than the Blues or Springfield this season, so the next time he will be with the Blues is this upcoming summer/fall.

Incidentally, Blues just played Tampa who had D'Astous on their roster. He was the top defenseman on Lindstein's Swedish team last year and I wondered why he was not in the NHL, now he is. Offensive defenseman, a little risky defensively. Charles D'Anton D'Ambrosious D'Astous.

I think the offensive production from Jiricek is what prompted the good review I heard on the radio recently - also saw he was player of the month recently. (And as I listen to the last minute Blues podcast, they are talking about Jiricek now as well). Appreciate your insights, thank you!

[John Cocktoastin]

Tim Taylor on Jiricek and the D recently on a Q&A...

Adam Jiricek...

He’s had an unbelievable year. Every night, he’s putting up points. This kid does everything. He’s on pucks. He’s very competitive. He hits. He’s just the whole package. I see him as a No. 1 defenseman. He might end up being a No. 2 or 3, but I’m so excited about his future with our team and the future of our D. If you look four or five years from now, you have Jiricek, you’ve got (Logan) Mailloux as the top two right-side guys. Then (on the left), you’ve got (Philip) Broberg, and (Colin) Ralph coming in, (Lukas) Fischer, (Theo) Lindstein … so we’ve got a real good wealth of depth on D.

[the miracle]

Tim Taylor on Jiricek and the D recently on a Q&A...

Adam Jiricek...

He’s had an unbelievable year. Every night, he’s putting up points. This kid does everything. He’s on pucks. He’s very competitive. He hits. He’s just the whole package. I see him as a No. 1 defenseman. He might end up being a No. 2 or 3, but I’m so excited about his future with our team and the future of our D. If you look four or five years from now, you have Jiricek, you’ve got (Logan) Mailloux as the top two right-side guys. Then (on the left), you’ve got (Philip) Broberg, and (Colin) Ralph coming in, (Lukas) Fischer, (Theo) Lindstein … so we’ve got a real good wealth of depth on D.

Definitely a reassuring report, esp considering some of the hand wringing around his selection.

[seattleblue]

Taylor's not wrong that he's on pucks, he's competitive, he hits, he gets time in all situations (but more PP). He could be a #1. But he left out "defensively solid" which is different than "he hits" and he left out "high IQ" he said competitive. he's left room for Jiricek to be making some poor decisions and out of position defensively, which I have seen despite the true description of his offensive abilities and hitting which has stepped way up right from the start of the season. Since there is time for him to keep developing and WJC is often a springboard for confidence we shall see where it goes. Just being cautious. I know people will quote this a lot since it's so positive. See inside of the quote a little though and you'll see the possible gaps in his development that we're hoping for still to come.

[TruBlueFan_1970]

Tim Taylor on Jiricek and the D recently on a Q&A...

Adam Jiricek...

He’s had an unbelievable year. Every night, he’s putting up points. This kid does everything. He’s on pucks. He’s very competitive. He hits. He’s just the whole package. I see him as a No. 1 defenseman. He might end up being a No. 2 or 3, but I’m so excited about his future with our team and the future of our D. If you look four or five years from now, you have Jiricek, you’ve got (Logan) Mailloux as the top two right-side guys. Then (on the left), you’ve got (Philip) Broberg, and (Colin) Ralph coming in, (Lukas) Fischer, (Theo) Lindstein … so we’ve got a real good wealth of depth on D.

Definitely a reassuring report, esp considering some of the hand wringing around his selection.

Time will tell. Still wasn’t a fan of that pick, but boy do we need it to pan out. His brother who was drafted (#6 overall) is 22, on his second team, and still not a regular. Let’s hope Adam’s trajectory turns out better

[Old_Goat]

Taylor's not wrong that he's on pucks, he's competitive, he hits, he gets time in all situations (but more PP). He could be a #1. But he left out "defensively solid" which is different than "he hits" and he left out "high IQ" he said competitive. he's left room for Jiricek to be making some poor decisions and out of position defensively, which I have seen despite the true description of his offensive abilities and hitting which has stepped way up right from the start of the season. Since there is time for him to keep developing and WJC is often a springboard for confidence we shall see where it goes. Just being cautious. I know people will quote this a lot since it's so positive. See inside of the quote a little though and you'll see the possible gaps in his development that we're hoping for still to come.

Very much respect your insight and appreciate your posts.

[smilinjoefission]

I would assume any major D injury or 2 would mean Rosen up, but Lindstein is really a couple injuries from playing now and in the mix next season if the Blues move some D this season. Jiricek is probably 2-3 seasons away the major point being Lindstein has been playing against men since 2021-22, not junior aged men, actual Pros so he has ALOT more experience than Jiricek. Not counting Skinner and Loof, who aren't really prospects anymore.

[STL fan in MN]

I’d bank on Lindstein arriving first. Maybe a cup of coffee yet this season if he’s needed via injuries but more likely next season.

Jiricek is having a great rebound year but I agree with Seattle’s assessment of him. He’s made good progress but he’s still hit and miss defensively. I don’t see a likely future #1. He’s going to have to really improve his D game for that to be a possibility.

He’s gained 25 lbs since being drafted but is still at 185 lbs. That’s still pretty skinny for 6’3”. Much better than 160 lbs but he still has a way to go both physically and in terms of his game. I expect him to have a good WJC and finish the OHL season strong (hopefully win the Memorial Cup too) but he’s going to be a slow burn. Will need at least a year in the AHL before really being an NHL option IMO.

[the miracle]

I would assume any major D injury or 2 would mean Rosen up, but Lindstein is really a couple injuries from playing now and in the mix next season if the Blues move some D this season. Jiricek is probably 2-3 seasons away the major point being Lindstein has been playing against men since 2021-22, not junior aged men, actual Pros so he has ALOT more experience than Jiricek. Not counting Skinner and Loof, who aren't really prospects anymore.

Do you think Jiricek is in the AHL next season?

[the miracle]

I’d bank on Lindstein arriving first. Maybe a cup of coffee yet this season if he’s needed via injuries but more likely next season.

Jiricek is having a great rebound year but I agree with Seattle’s assessment of him. He’s made good progress but he’s still hit and miss defensively. I don’t see a likely future #1. He’s going to have to really improve his D game for that to be a possibility.

He’s gained 25 lbs since being drafted but is still at 185 lbs. That’s still pretty skinny for 6’3”. Much better than 160 lbs but he still has a way to go both physically and in terms of his game. I expect him to have a good WJC and finish the OHL season strong (hopefully win the Memorial Cup too) but he’s going to be a slow burn. Will need at least a year in the AHL before really being an NHL option IMO.

Thanks! Definitely appreciate yours and Seattle's even handed assessments. Its tough to not get excited when I hear "Jiricik is lighting it up! He's really having a great year!" It's good to temper expectations.

[the miracle]

Taylor's not wrong that he's on pucks, he's competitive, he hits, he gets time in all situations (but more PP). He could be a #1. But he left out "defensively solid" which is different than "he hits" and he left out "high IQ" he said competitive. he's left room for Jiricek to be making some poor decisions and out of position defensively, which I have seen despite the true description of his offensive abilities and hitting which has stepped way up right from the start of the season. Since there is time for him to keep developing and WJC is often a springboard for confidence we shall see where it goes. Just being cautious. I know people will quote this a lot since it's so positive. See inside of the quote a little though and you'll see the possible gaps in his development that we're hoping for still to come.

This is going to be an overly simplistic assessment - so I hope you'll forgive me in advance - but Mailloux, Broberg, and Jiricek seem to be cut from similar cloths -> offensively minded, good skating, room to improve on defense.

Do the Blues have any prospects that are defense first (with maybe a little nasty to their game?) Does Ralph fit that mold?

[John Cocktoastin]

Put me down for Lindstein arriving first.

But to me, Jiricek has the higher ceiling and is the more all around play. Just my 2 cents.