5 things to know about new Flyer David Jiříček, from his Cutter Gauthier connection to his powerful shot
Jiříček was picked one pick behind Cutter Gauthier in 2022 and is known for his booming shot from the point.
The Flyers made their first big move of the trade deadline early on Friday, trading winger Bobby Brink to Minnesota for defenseman David Jiříček.
Jiříček will start his career with the Flyers organization in Lehigh Valley, but he’s got the potential to be a big part of the Flyers’ future. Here are five things to know about the organization’s newest blueliner.
» READ MORE: Flyers trade Bobby Brink to Minnesota for 2022 Top 10 pick David Jiříček
1. He was drafted one pick after Cutter Gauthier
Jiříček, whom the Flyers really liked at the time, was picked sixth overall in the 2022 NHL draft by Columbus, one pick after the Flyers selected Gauthier. Famously, Gauthier never played a game with the organization, requesting a trade out and getting swapped for Jamie Drysdale in January of 2024.
2. His brother is an NHL prospect, too
Jiříček‘s brother, Adam, was the St. Louis Blues’ first-round pick in 2024. He’s also a right-handed defenseman, and was one of the stars for Czechia in their silver-medal campaign at the 2026 World Juniors.
3. He’s on his third NHL team
Despite his draft pedigree, Jiříček hasn’t been able to stick at the NHL level yet. He bounced between the Blue Jackets’ AHL and NHL squads, even making the 2023 AHL All-Star team, before being traded in 2024 with a fifth-rounder to Minnesota for defenseman Daemon Hunt and first-, second-, third- and fourth-round picks. He spent time with the Wild’s NHL and AHL clubs before being flipped for Brink. He will start his Flyers career in Lehigh Valley.
4. He’s got a hard shot
One of Jiříček‘s best attributes is his hard shot from the point. The big selling point during his draft year was his strong offensive toolkit, especially on the power play, but he hasn’t been able to carve out power-play time in Minnesota. Currently, the Flyers have Drysdale and Cam York running the two power play units.
5. He’s tall
Jiříček stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 204 lbs., according to the NHL media site. He’ll instantly be one of the Flyers’ biggest defensemen, behind just Travis Sanheim — especially with Rasmus Ristolainen likely on his way out.