POLLS     NHL     BLACKHAWKS

Trade Proposal: Blackhawks' Seth Jones traded to the New York Rangers

PUBLICATION
Joshua Deeds
January 20, 2025  (3:41 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY

The Chicago Blackhawks need to save $9.5 million cap space, and what better way than to send Seth Jones to a contender? Should it be the New York Rangers?

The New York Rangers have playoff aspirations and need help on their right side, which is how the Blackhawks could help the team achieve their goals this season.

With the dwindling quality of right-shot defenseman in the New York Rangers lineup, the Blackhawks could work with Jones, and GM Chris Drury to see if there's a trade possible.

It'd remove the obstacle of Seth Jones nixing the trade in advance, and allow the Blackhawks getting a decent haul in return.

Let's not forget how expensive the deal was for the Hawks:

Chicago's trade to acquire Jones was a bit of a headscratcher when it was made back in July 2021. The Blackhawks were mired in mediocrity at the time and gave up a package that included defenseman Adam Boqvist, the 12th and 44th overall picks in 2021, and a 2022 first-round pick that eventually turned into the sixth overall pick.

Davidson would have to retain some of Jones' salary in order to sweeten the return, and given that right-shot defensemen are in high-demand, we should expect something good in return.

The Return

Which is why the Hawks should inquire about Zac Jones, who has been a healthy scratch and pushed out of the lineup by Urho Vaakainen, a recent acquisition from the Jacob Trouba trade.

With some generosity from GM Chris Drury, Jones could come with a prospect or draft pick attached.

The move would allow the Blackhawks some flexibility on the left, as they should consider getting rid of Alec Martinez when possible.

While giving them a younger defensive core, Zac Jones has some major upside that the Rangers haven't been able to tap into.

Getting his big cap hit out of town is the actual asset they'd be getting. With the salary cap going up significantly in the coming years, the Hawks should have some financial flexibility if they are smart.

In the worst-case scenario, he could end up in Rockford for some time to continue developing.

But as it stands now the Blackhawks blue line needs major reconstruction, while the rest of the prospects simmer in the AHL.

This could be a game-changer for the Blackhawks, and a way for Kyle Davidson to undo some of former GM Stan Bowman's harm from the past.

Jones has played 30 games this season and scored 19 points( 4 G, 15 A) with a -11.

Are there spelling mistakes in this article?? If so, list them, highlight them-

POLL
4 HOURS AGO   |   58 ANSWERS
Trade Proposal: Blackhawks' Seth Jones traded to the New York Rangers

If you were GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks would you trade defenseman Seth Jones to the New York Rangers?

HAWKSINSIDER.COM
COPYRIGHT @2025 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS  -  POLICIES