The contentious and widely-discussed decision to ink Seth Jones with the Blackhawks for an eight-year stint undeniably captured widespread attention from both the media and the fan base.
The expectations placed upon Jones were exceedingly high, particularly given the substantial financial investment they made in terms of his annual earnings.
The question of whether Jones now regrets his decision to join the Blackhawks is a pertinent one. Jones himself has elaborated on this matter, acknowledging that he initially grappled with regrets, particularly in light of the numerous trades that were taking place. However, he came to recognize this as a part of a broader process, understanding that brighter prospects were on the horizon for the Blackhawks sooner rather than later.
The recent addition of budding superstar Connor Bedard, coupled with the acquisitions of Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno, and Corey Perry, paints a more optimistic picture for the Blackhawks. General Manager Kyle Davidson's ongoing efforts to reshape the organization and reinvigorate its core are certainly bearing fruit.
According to capfriendly.com, Jones carries a substantial $9.25 million annual cap hit that will extend until the conclusion of the 2029-2030 season. The 28-year-old defenseman, standing tall at 6'4" and weighing 213 lbs, participated in 72 games during the previous season. He notched twelve goals and 25 assists, accumulating a total of 37 points.
Unfortunately, his plus-minus rating plummeted to a discouraging -38. Given the magnitude of his contract, both the Blackhawks and their fan base have legitimate expectations for a more favourable performance. With impending changes on the horizon, it is hoped that Jones can tap into another level of skill to elevate his game as a defenseman and present a more potent offensive threat.
POLL | ||
Will Seth Jones be a better player with Connor Bedard on the team? | ||
Yes | 165 | 57.1 % |
No | 124 | 42.9 % |
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