Jiricek to make NHL debut against Stars

Defenseman Adam Jiricek will make his NHL regular-season debut for the St. Louis Blues against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on Friday (8 p.m. CT; TNT, TruTV, HBO Max). He will become the first Blues rookie defenseman to make his NHL debut on opening night since Vince Dunn in 2017.

Jiricek was drafted No. 16 overall by the Blues in the 2024 NHL Draft and signed a three-year entry level contract a month later. The 6-foot-3, 185 pound defenseman and Plzen, Czechia native played with the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League last season, recording 19 goals and 59 points in 55 games. Jiricek also represented Czechia at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, scoring five goals and six points in seven games played.

Additionally, he played in six postseason games with the Blues AHL affiliate Springfield Thunderbirds.

Speaking to the media after the Blues' Sept. 24 preseason game against the Chicago Blackhawks, head coach Jim Montgomery praised Jiricek’s hockey IQ and offensive potential.

“He has a zest for the game, he loves the game and he looks at the game almost like an artist and the ice is his canvas – it’s fun to watch,” he said. 

Jiricek's parents, Libor and Lenka, are traveling from Prague to watch his debut at American Airlines Center.

"I expect some high emotions but I feel like it's pretty normal – I think it's going to hit harder when it's closer but now I feel like I'm just doing my job, not thinking about it that much," Jiricek said after the team's morning skate. "It's still the same game. It was my dream when I was a kid but I'm going to do my job and we'll see."

Following the conclusion of the preseason, Jiricek was initially reassigned to Springfield before being recalled by the Blues on Sept. 27. His recall preceded the team's announcement that Logan Mailloux (right-hand) and Tyler Tucker (lower-body) would be placed on injured reserve. 

Montgomery, speaking to the media after the morning skate, talked about Jiricek playing on the top-pairing with Philip Broberg. He said that Broberg's performance in helping Logan Mailloux grow as a young defenseman was part of the decision-making process. 

Montgomery was also asked about preparing Jiricek for the pace of an NHL regular season game. 

"I don't think you can [prepare for it] but I think he can't wait for it. He's someone that loves opportunity and we'll see it tonight."