The NHL's Most Recent Announcement Could Mean This Blackhawk is More Likely to be Moved

That said, a large contract, especially with term doesn't exactly fit into rebuilding plans, as cap space becomes important in bringing in picks and prospects to help the team two to three years down the road.

Seth Jones fits the bill of a big contract, with a long-term. And while his contract was only signed recently, with Kane likely on his way out, it seems Toews may follow suit, which will seemingly shut the door on any question about which direction the team is headed.

Maybe Jones isn't headed anywhere, but this narrative isn't foreign territory, albeit a rare occurrence.