A trade may not be imminent, but the Blue Jackets and their former first-round draft pick appear headed that way.

It’s no secret that trade rumors around Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek are kicking into high gear. Jiricek is currently playing in the American Hockey League as the team figures out its next steps.

Chris Johnston appeared on TSN Early Trading Tuesday. As part of the conversation between Johnston and Gino Reda, David Jiricek‘s name came up as did discussions about his being on the trade market.

With December on the horizon, trade talks are beginning to heat up around the NHL, with a young defenseman’s name hopping up on a few trade boards. The Columbus Blue Jackets have David Jiricek in their system.