It appears Seth Jones' time with the Blackhawks is over via trade
The Chicago Blackhawks could have a suitor for defenseman Seth Jones and could find a way to relieve themselves of $9.5 Million in cap space.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Chicago Blackhawks have been taking calls on defenseman Seth Jones.
He's been considered one of the Blackhawks' best defensemen since his arrival and has played different roles for the team.
He's been a key piece on the penalty kill, and the 1st power-play unit. The towering defenseman used to be known for his punishing style of play and offensive upside in Columbus.
Now in Chicago, we haven't seen Jones in his prime, but he still can play high-level hockey.
If the Blackhawks were to attempt to trade Jones, they'd have to address two things this season. First, they'd have to address his $9.5 Million AAV deal, which has five years left. They would have to bring in a third party to facilitate the trade.
Jones himself would also have to be brought into the mix, as he has a full no-movement clause and has a say in where he's being traded to next.
If GM Kyle Davidson can work his magic, the Blackhawks could find extra cap space for a legitimate second-line center.
Jones was one of the team's better defensemen this season before the injury to his foot which kept him out for some time.
He's played 28 games for the Hawks and scored only 15 points(3 G, 12 A) despite being a top-pairing defenseman, utilized on special teams.
Despite all of that, he's provided mentorship to Alex Vlasic, who has been nothing short of brilliant this season and should be credited for helping develop Vlasic's game further.
If a team would make a trade for Jones, they should expect to pay a hefty sum, as a minutes-eating right-shot defenseman doesn't come cheap.
Jones' average TOI since joining the Blackhawks in 2021, has been 25:29, placing him just behind Cale Makar, and Drew Doughty which should give you an idea of how important a piece he is in the lineup.
If GM Kyle Davidson can cross those hurdles, and get Jones to sign off on the move the Blackhawks could push the rebuild forward significantly.
But for now, we're left to speculate as Darren Dreger isn't naming names.
