Florida Panthers Make a Bold Move by Acquiring Veteran Defenseman Seth Jones from Chicago Blackhawks
In a move that has sent ripples through the NHL community, the Chicago Blackhawks have traded their seasoned defenseman, Seth Jones, to the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. This blockbuster trade, finalized on a bustling Saturday night, is sure to have fans and analysts buzzing for weeks to come.
The Panthers have acquired Jones, who is 30 years old, along with a 2026 fourth-round draft pick from the Blackhawks. In return, Chicago receives goaltender Spencer Knight, aged 23, and a 2026 conditional first-round pick. Notably, the Blackhawks will retain a portion of Jones’ contract through 2030, which adjusts his annual cap hit for the Panthers to $7 million. Jones’ contract, originally valued at $9.5 million against the salary cap, is in its third year of an eight-year term. The Blackhawks will cover $2.5 million of Jones’ salary through 2030.
There’s an interesting twist to the trade: the first-round pick will slide to 2027 if the Panthers decide to trade their 2026 first-rounder before this year’s draft. This adds an extra layer of strategy and intrigue to the deal, as both teams navigate their future plans.
Jones is no stranger to the NHL, now in his 12th season. His career has seen him play for the Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and most recently, the Blackhawks. This season, he has accumulated 27 points in 42 games, averaging 24:30 of ice time per game. The Blackhawks initially acquired him from Columbus in 2021, but his journey in the NHL began when he was selected No. 4 in the 2013 draft by the Predators.
Florida’s general manager, Bill Zito, who was with the Blue Jackets when they acquired Jones from the Predators, expressed his excitement about the acquisition. “Seth is an elite veteran defenseman and a proven leader in our league,” Zito stated. “He has been one of the most consistent players of the past decade, serving as a reliable workhorse on both sides of the puck, and he will help our club continue to compete at the highest level.”
Jones had been vocal about his desire to leave Chicago, a team that has been in a prolonged rebuild. His dissatisfaction with the franchise’s direction was no secret. “We’re the exact same team right now as we were Game 1. It’s pretty evident out there. We haven’t made any strides to be a better, more simple hockey team, and it shows. We don’t get a lot of wins because of that,” Jones remarked following a 2-1 loss at the Utah Hockey Club. “This has been almost four years of bottom of the league.”
On the other side of the trade, Spencer Knight, the No. 13 pick in the 2019 draft, is in his fourth NHL season. He has a record of 12-8-1 in 23 appearances, with a .907 save percentage. Knight’s potential and youth make him a valuable asset for the Blackhawks as they continue their rebuilding process.
- Seth Jones’ current season stats: 27 points in 42 games, 24:30 average ice time.
- Spencer Knight’s current season stats: 12-8-1 record, .907 save percentage.
- Jones’ contract details: $9.5 million cap hit, Blackhawks retain $2.5 million through 2030.
This trade is a significant move for both teams, with the Panthers bolstering their defense with a seasoned player like Jones, while the Blackhawks gain a promising young goaltender in Knight. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how this trade impacts both teams’ performances and strategies.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
