Only twice in history has the Best Defender and Best Goalie at WJC been Drafted by the same Team

[callitwhatyouwant]

Title says it all. What a fun fact. Only the 1982 Bruins and the 2026 Blues have had players receive these honors in the same year. Another fun fact Harenstam is the 4th blues Goalie to receive the honor. Hofer (2020), Schwarz (2005) and Perry (1984). The defenders that join Jiricek? Petro (2010) and EJ (2007).


That's pretty high company to be in for both those players. Hofer seems to be the real deal. And we all know what Petro and EJ turned out to be. Jiricek is further proving that he had top 5 pick potential if it wasn't for his injury. Might end up being the biggest steal of the draft. Army/Steen and Co. definitely deserve some credit for making these picks.

[MiamiLaw]

It would be enormous if he was a top pairer

[Harry S Deals]

It would be enormous if he was a top pairer

this kid falling to the Blues could very well be something that gets the franchise going again. Had Jiricek been healthy no way he makes it to 16, perhaps Top 10 it was a coup to land this kid. Also keep in mind by the time the draft rolled around Jiricek was 6 months past his injury so the Blues would have done their due diligence in assessing Jiricek's recovery. Today at this point he appears to be a first or second pairing dman and probably pretty soon.

[bud white]

For those wondering, the last time this happened, it was the Bruins (1982). The players were Mike Moffat (CAN) who had a cup of coffee in the Show, and Gord Kluzak (CAN) - who would have been a franchise type defenseman had his knees not derailed his career. He was a beast, but only played 299 games in the league and was done by 27.

[DawgDad]

Thanks, Bud. I remember them.