What A Seth Jones Trade Could Look Like for the Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have been blessed and burdened by Stan Bowman, and with March rolling around, they could trade Seth Jones, for the right price.
Of course, when the Blackhawks traded for Seth Jones in 2021, they weren't in rebuild mode. And Seth Jones was blindsided with the promotion of Kyle Davidson, and the overhaul of the lineup post-2022.
Here's the trade as it happened in 2021:
The Blue Jackets received a first-round pick (No. 12) and a second-round selection (No. 44) in the 2021 NHL Draft, and a first-round pick in the 2022 or 2023 NHL Draft for the defenseman.
The Blackhawks received a first-round pick (No. 32, originally belonging to the Tampa Bay Lightning) and a sixth-round selection in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Now, as Seth Jones has returned from injury, the team is receiving inquiries on the availability of the defenseman.
A trade would benefit both Jones and the Blackhawks. Jones wants to play for a contender, and Davidson wants to weaponize cap space.
This shouldn't be an issue, right? Well, Jones would need to sign off on the deal wherever he lands, and Davidson would have to retain some of his salary to sweeten the deal.
Contending teams like the Edmonton Oilers, could benefit from a defenseman who plays 25 minutes a night and has offensive upside, playing on both the power play and penalty kill.
If that is the case and this report is valid (Dreger is a legitimate insider who can be trusted), the Hawks should be all over it. Getting out from underneath that contract will be great for the rebuild going forward.
Moving Jones would be beneficial as they will have to give Bedard a raise out of his old ELC, and have enough money to continue the rebuild as they move on from multiple pending UFAs.
While fans should expect some kind of return from the trade, Vinnie Parise of The Hockey News makes the best point about moving Jones's deal.
Addition by subtraction.
While Jones started the year off in the right way, a foot injury has set him back as he hasn't been playing up to expectations since.
He could use a fresh start. What better way than to give him a chance at a Stanley Cup in April? A win-win for all parties involved, as long as Jones and Davidson can make a deal.
