Top prospect in 2022 NHL draft to miss months of action after collision at World Juniors

Some very tough news for one of the top prospects in the 2022 draft. David Jiricek of Czechia was knocked out of the World Juniors in Alberta early after a collision with a player on Team Canada. Here's video of the incident:

According to Czech hockey journalist Marek Novotny, Jiricek will undergo knee surgery on Wednesday and is expected to miss months of action.

Jiricek was predicted to go as high as third overall by Elite Prospects. TSN's Bob McKenzie ranked him 10th overall in the 2022 draft, while colleague Crag Button put him at 13th. The 18-year-old defenceman is six-foot-three and 190 lbs, and is described as having a bomb of a shot from the point and a very good two-way player. The NHL draft is slated to take place July 7th and 8th so there's a chance Jiricek will still be injured at that time.

Jiricek plays for Plzen HC of the Czech Extraliga. He has five goals and 11 points in 29 games this season.

MUST READ

12 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Angry John Tortorella Calls Out One Flyers Player: Trade is Likely Per Elliotte Friedman

13 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Quinn Hughes Ejected: Suspension May be Coming for the Reigning Norris Winner

14 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Matvei Michkov Stuns With Crazy Quote in Post-Game Interview Following OT Winner

16 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Jeremy Swayman on the Verge of Losing the Starting Role in Boston: His Contract Looks Like a Disaster

19 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

21 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

22 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

23 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

MORE STORIES