Flyers GM Danny Briere completes trade that the organization could regret for years

David Jiricek is already facing an uncertain future in Philadelphia, and Rick Tocchet's early lineup decisions have only raised more questions.

The Flyers acquired Jiricek from the Minnesota Wild at last season's NHL Trade Deadline, taking another swing on a defenseman who once carried major prospect value.

Only months later, that investment is already under pressure. Anthony Di Marco reported there have been whispers inside the organization that Philadelphia isn't thrilled with Jiricek.

That's an alarming development considering how little time has passed since the trade. The Flyers brought him in expecting another chance to unlock the upside that once made him a highly regarded young blue liner.

Instead, Jiricek couldn't crack Philadelphia's opening-night lineup. Tocchet also left him out for the Flyers' second game of the season.

"Anthony Di Marco: Re Flyers: There have been some whispers that the team isn't thrilled with defenseman David Jiricek, who was acquired from the Minnesota Wild at last year's NHL Trade Deadline - Daily Faceoff (9/29)"

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Those decisions become even harder to ignore after Philadelphia opened at home with a 7-0 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

David Jiricek already faces pressure in Philadelphia

A rebuilding team getting blown out is one thing. A defenseman acquired months earlier still being unable to earn a spot while that happens creates a very different conversation.

Jiricek's path through the NHL has already included three organizations. The Columbus Blue Jackets drafted him before he eventually moved to Minnesota and then Philadelphia.

That history makes the Flyers' reported frustration more concerning. Philadelphia didn't inherit a completely unknown project. Management knew Jiricek's development had already hit obstacles elsewhere.

And now the clock is moving quickly. When a recent trade acquisition is outside the lineup almost immediately, the organization has to decide how long it wants to keep waiting for progress.

Nothing has been publicly confirmed about what specifically has disappointed the Flyers. It could involve performance, development or how Jiricek fits what Tocchet wants from his blue line.

But the lineup decisions are already sending a message. Jiricek has work to do before Philadelphia trusts him with a regular role.

If that trust never arrives, this trade could follow the Flyers for far longer than anyone expected when the deal was completed.

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