The Chicago Blackhawks find themselves navigating a rebuild. Defenseman Seth Jones stands out as one of their most valuable assets. Signed through the 2029-30 season with a hefty $9.5 million cap hit, Jones has expressed his desire to compete for a Stanley Cup. With the NHL trade deadline looming, rumors are swirling about potential landing spots for the 30-year-old blueliner. This blog post will delve into the latest news and rumors surrounding Jones. It will analyze potential trade destinations. It will also explore the benefits and drawbacks for both teams involved.

Recent News and Rumors

Seth Jones has openly expressed his desire to be traded to a contender. He is seeking a chance to play meaningful games in May and June. He wants to compete in the playoffs every year and join a team that’s not in a rebuild. He hasn’t formally requested a trade. However, he and his agent have been in discussions with Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson about potential destinations. Jones acknowledges that his contract is a significant hurdle. However, he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate a move. The Blackhawks are reportedly open to retaining a significant portion of his salary, potentially up to $4.75 million, to make a deal more attractive.  

It’s important to note that the Blackhawks are not actively shopping Jones. They are, however, responding to inquiries. They are working with Jones to find a suitable destination. This destination aligns with his desire to win. This proactive move by both the player and the team shows they understand each other. They are open to exploring every option.  

Adding to the intrigue, the NHL’s salary cap is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. This rising cap might make Jones’ contract more manageable for acquiring teams. It could influence trade negotiations. The cap expansion could also widen the range of possible destinations.  

Potential Trade Destinations

Several teams have been mentioned as potential landing spots for Jones, including:

• Dallas Stars: The Stars are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender with a strong core of forwards and a solid defense. They have a need for a top-pairing right-shot defenseman, especially with Miro Heiskanen sidelined with a knee injury.  
• Colorado Avalanche: The Avalanche are another contender with a high-powered offense led by Nathan MacKinnon. They could use another top-four defenseman to complement Cale Makar.  
• Florida Panthers: The Panthers are a team on the rise with a young and talented core. They could use another top-four defenseman to bolster their blue line.  
• Winnipeg Jets: The Jets are a team with a strong offense and goaltending, but their defense could use an upgrade. Jones would provide them with a top-pairing defenseman who can log big minutes and contribute offensively.  
• Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes have a deep and talented roster. They could use another top-four defenseman to solidify their blue line.  
• Columbus Blue Jackets: Jones could potentially return to Columbus, where he played before being traded to Chicago. The Blue Jackets are a team on the rise with a young and talented core.  
• Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers are a team with a high-powered offense. This offense is led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, their defense has been a concern. Jones would provide them with a top-pairing defenseman who can log big minutes and contribute offensively.  
• New York Rangers: The Rangers are a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, but their defense could use an upgrade. However, there are concerns about the risks of acquiring Jones due to his contract and recent performance.  
• Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres are a young team on the rise. They could use a veteran defenseman to help lead their blue line.  
• Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks are a team in need of a top-pairing right-shot defenseman.  
• Washington Capitals: The Capitals are a veteran team. They are looking to make another playoff push. They could use another top-four defenseman.  
• Boston Bruins: The Bruins are a contender with a strong core. They could use another top-four defenseman to add depth to their blue line.  
• Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers are a team in a retooling phase. They could use a veteran defenseman to help lead their young players.  

The possibility of a three-team trade involving Jones has also been suggested. This type of deal could provide more flexibility. It offers creative solutions to overcome the cap hit hurdle. This approach could potentially expand the range of possible destinations.  

Analyzing Potential Fits

Let’s take a closer look at how Jones might fit in with some of the teams mentioned above:

Dallas Stars

• Current Roster: The Stars have a strong forward group led by Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Roope Hintz, and Jason Robertson. Their defense is anchored by Miro Heiskanen (currently injured), Esa Lindell, and Ryan Suter.  
• Needs: With Heiskanen out, the Stars need a top-pairing right-shot defenseman to solidify their blue line. They could also use another veteran presence on the back end.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Stars have limited cap space. They could make a deal work by trading a player or two. Alternatively, they could have the Blackhawks retain salary.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Stars a legitimate top-pairing defenseman. He can log big minutes. He can also contribute offensively. He would also bring valuable playoff experience to a team that is looking to make a deep run.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Stars would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

Colorado Avalanche

• Current Roster: The Avalanche boast a high-powered offense led by Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Gabriel Landeskog. Their defense is anchored by Cale Makar, Devon Toews, and Samuel Girard.  
• Needs: The Avalanche could use another top-four defenseman to complement Makar and provide some depth on the blue line.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Avalanche have limited cap space. They could make a deal work by trading a player or two. They might also have the Blackhawks retain salary.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Avalanche a reliable veteran defenseman who can play in all situations. He would also bring valuable playoff experience to a team that is looking to win another Stanley Cup.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Avalanche would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

Florida Panthers

• Current Roster: The Panthers have a young and talented core led by Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sam Reinhart. Their defense is anchored by Aaron Ekblad and Gustav Forsling.  
• Needs: The Panthers could use another top-four defenseman to bolster their blue line and provide some depth.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Panthers have more cap space than the Stars or Avalanche. However, Jones’ contract is still a significant hurdle.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Panthers a solid top-four defenseman who can play in all situations. He would also bring valuable experience to a young team that is looking to make a deep playoff run.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Panthers would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

Winnipeg Jets

• Current Roster: The Jets have a strong forward group led by Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Nikolaj Ehlers. Their defense is anchored by Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk.  
• Needs: The Jets could use a top-pairing defenseman to play alongside Morrissey and provide some stability on the blue line.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Jets have more cap space than the Stars, Avalanche, or Panthers. However, Jones’ contract is still a significant hurdle.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Jets a legitimate top-pairing defenseman. He can log big minutes. He can also contribute offensively. He would also bring valuable experience to a team that is looking to make a deep playoff run.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Jets would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

Carolina Hurricanes

• Current Roster: The Hurricanes have a deep and talented roster led by Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Martin Necas. Their defense is anchored by Jaccob Slavin, Brent Burns, and Brady Skjei.  
• Needs: The Hurricanes could use another top-four defenseman to solidify their blue line and provide some depth.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Hurricanes have limited cap space. They could make a deal work by trading a player or two. Alternatively, they could have the Blackhawks retain some salary.
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Hurricanes a solid top-four defenseman who can play in all situations. He would also bring valuable experience to a team that is looking to make a deep playoff run.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Hurricanes would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Current Roster: The Blue Jackets have a young and talented core led by Patrik Laine, and Zach Werenski. Their defense is anchored by Werenski and Damon Severson.  
• Needs: The Blue Jackets need another top-pairing defenseman. They want someone to play alongside Werenski and provide stability on the blue line.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Blue Jackets have plenty of cap space to accommodate Jones’ contract.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Blue Jackets a legitimate top-pairing defenseman. He can log big minutes and contribute offensively. He would also bring valuable experience to a young team that is looking to make the playoffs.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Blue Jackets would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

Edmonton Oilers

• Current Roster: The Oilers have a high-powered offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Their defense is led by Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Mattias Ekholm.  
• Needs: The Oilers need a right-shot defenseman to solidify their top four.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Oilers have limited cap space. However, the Blackhawks’ willingness to retain salary could make a deal possible.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Oilers a legitimate top-four defenseman. He can play big minutes and contribute offensively. He would also bring valuable experience to a team that is looking to win the Stanley Cup.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Oilers would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

New York Rangers

• Current Roster: The Rangers have a strong core led by Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox. Their defense is anchored by Fox, Jacob Trouba, and K’Andre Miller.  
• Needs: The Rangers could use another top-four defenseman to add depth and experience to their blue line.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Rangers have limited cap space. However, the Blackhawks’ willingness to retain salary could make a deal possible.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Rangers a solid top-four defenseman who can play in all situations. He would also bring valuable experience to a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Rangers would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.  

Buffalo Sabres

• Current Roster: The Sabres have a young and exciting core led by Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Dylan Cozens. Their defense is anchored by Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson.  
• Needs: The Sabres could use a veteran defenseman to help lead their young blue line and provide stability.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Sabres have plenty of cap space to accommodate Jones’ contract.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Sabres a legitimate top-pairing defenseman. He can log big minutes. He can also contribute offensively. He would also bring valuable experience to a young team that is looking to make the playoffs.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Sabres would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

Vancouver Canucks

• Current Roster: The Canucks have a mix of veterans and young players, led by Elias Pettersson, and Quinn Hughes. Their defense is anchored by Hughes.  
• Needs: The Canucks need a top-pairing right-shot defenseman to play alongside Hughes and provide some stability on the blue line.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Canucks have limited cap space. However, the Blackhawks’ willingness to retain salary could make a deal possible.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Canucks a legitimate top-pairing defenseman. He can log big minutes and contribute offensively. He would also bring valuable experience to a team that is looking to make the playoffs.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Canucks would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

Washington Capitals

• Current Roster: The Capitals are a veteran team led by Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and John Carlson. Their defense is anchored by Carlson, Dmitry Orlov, and Nick Jensen.  
• Needs: The Capitals could use another top-four defenseman to add depth and experience to their blue line.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Capitals have limited cap space. However, the Blackhawks’ willingness to retain salary could make a deal possible.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Capitals a solid top-four defenseman who can play in all situations. He would also bring valuable experience to a team that is looking to make another playoff push.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Capitals would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

Boston Bruins

• Current Roster: The Bruins have a strong core led by Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak. Their defense is anchored by Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, and Brandon Carlo.  
• Needs: The Bruins could use another top-four defenseman to add depth to their blue line.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Bruins have limited cap space. However, the Blackhawks are willing to retain salary. This willingness could make a deal possible.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Bruins a solid top-four defenseman who can play in all situations. He would also bring valuable experience to a team that is looking to contend for the Stanley Cup.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Bruins would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

Philadelphia Flyers

• Current Roster: The Flyers are in a retooling phase, with a mix of veterans and young players. Their defense is led by Ivan Provorov, Travis Sanheim, and Rasmus Ristolainen.  
• Needs: The Flyers could use a veteran defenseman. This player would help lead their young players. They would also provide stability on the blue line.  
• Salary Cap Situation: The Flyers have plenty of cap space to accommodate Jones’ contract.  
• Benefits of Acquiring Jones: Jones would give the Flyers a legitimate top-pairing defenseman. He can log big minutes and contribute offensively. He would also bring valuable experience to a team that is looking to improve.
• Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones: Jones’ contract is a significant hurdle. The Flyers would have to give up assets to acquire him. There are also concerns about his recent performance in Chicago.

The Blackhawks’ Perspective

The Blackhawks are in a strong position in any potential trade negotiations involving Jones. His desire to leave, coupled with their willingness to retain salary, gives them leverage in discussions with other teams.  

The return for Jones will likely involve a combination of draft picks and prospects. However, the Blackhawks are reportedly prioritizing young NHL-ready players. This suggests a desire to accelerate their rebuild by adding players who can contribute immediately.  

Trading Jones would also free up cap space and create opportunities for the Blackhawks’ young defensemen. Players like Alex Vlasic and Ian Mitchell could see increased ice time and responsibility, accelerating their development.  

Furthermore, the Blackhawks need to be mindful of the salary floor. The cap is increasing in the coming years. They will need to ensure they have enough contracts to reach the minimum payroll threshold. Trading Jones could complicate this, especially if they retain a significant portion of his salary.  

Recent Comparable Trades

Analyzing recent trades involving elite defensemen provides valuable context for potential Jones trades. Some notable examples from the current season include:

• Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor: They were traded from the Penguins to the Canucks. The trade was for Danton Heinen, Vincent Desharnais, prospect Melvin Fernstrom, and a conditional first-round pick. This trade involved a 28-year-old defenseman with a $4.025 million cap hit.  
• Cam Fowler: Traded from the Ducks to the Blues for Jeremie Biakabutuka and a second-round pick. This trade involved a veteran defenseman with a significant cap hit.  

These trades demonstrate the varying costs of acquiring defensemen with different ages, contracts, and performance levels.

Historical Data on Trades Involving Top Defensemen

Trades involving elite defensemen often involve a high price. Teams typically give up a combination of draft picks, prospects, and established NHL players. Some notable trades involving top defensemen include:  

• Paul Coffey: He was traded from the Oilers to the Penguins in 1987. The trade included Craig Simpson, Dave Hannan, Moe Mantha, and Chris Joseph.  
• Rob Blake: He was traded from the Kings to the Avalanche in 2001. The trade included Adam Deadmarsh, Aaron Miller, a player to be named later, and two first-round picks.  
• Phil Housley: Traded from the Sabres to the Jets in 1990 for Dale Hawerchuk.  
• Al MacInnis: Traded from the Flames to the Blues in 1994 for Phil Housley and two second-round picks.  

These trades demonstrate that acquiring a top defenseman often requires a significant investment in assets.

Expert Opinions and Analysis

NHL analysts have weighed in on potential trade destinations for Jones. Many suggest that the Stars, Avalanche, and Panthers are the most likely landing spots. Some analysts believe that the Blackhawks will need to retain salary to make a deal work. Others have suggested that Jones’ recent performance in Chicago may pose challenges. It could be difficult to find a trade partner willing to give up significant assets.  

Conclusion

Seth Jones is a talented defenseman who could be a valuable addition to a contending team. However, his contract and recent performance make him a challenging trade target. The Blackhawks are willing to retain salary. Jones is open to waiving his no-movement clause. This could facilitate a move. The Stars, Avalanche, and Panthers appear to be the most likely landing spots. Other teams could also emerge as the trade deadline approaches. Finally, the Blackhawks must find a trade partner. This partner should be willing to give up the necessary assets to acquire Jones.

It’s worth noting that a change of scenery and a reduced role could potentially help Jones regain his form. Playing with a stronger supporting cast could help him. Having less pressure to be “the guy” might allow him to rediscover his offensive touch and defensive prowess.  

The Blackhawks, meanwhile, will be looking to maximize their return in any trade involving Jones. Their priority appears to be young NHL-ready players who can contribute to their rebuild. They need to balance the potential cap relief. They must also ensure reaching the salary floor in the coming years.

Ultimately, the trade deadline will likely determine Jones’ fate. If a suitable deal materializes, he could be on his way to a contender. If not, he may remain in Chicago for the foreseeable future. He could become a valuable veteran presence for their young core.

Team	Benefits of Acquiring Jones	Drawbacks of Acquiring Jones	Salary Cap Situation	Potential Trade Assets	Overall Fit
Dallas Stars	Top-pairing defenseman, playoff experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	Limited cap space	Young players, draft picks	Good fit for their needs
Colorado Avalanche	Reliable veteran defenseman, playoff experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	Limited cap space	Young players, draft picks	Decent fit, but may not be a top priority
Florida Panthers	Solid top-four defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	More cap space than Stars or Avalanche	Young players, draft picks	Decent fit, but may have other needs
Winnipeg Jets	Legitimate top-pairing defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	More cap space than Stars, Avalanche, or Panthers	Young players, draft picks	Good fit for their needs
Carolina Hurricanes	Solid top-four defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	Limited cap space	Young players, draft picks	Decent fit, but may have other needs
Columbus Blue Jackets	Legitimate top-pairing defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	Plenty of cap space	Young players, draft picks	Good fit for their needs
Edmonton Oilers	Legitimate top-four defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	Limited cap space	Young players, draft picks	Good fit for their needs
New York Rangers	Solid top-four defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance, may not be a fit	Limited cap space	Young players, draft picks	Questionable fit
Buffalo Sabres	Legitimate top-pairing defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	Plenty of cap space	Young players, draft picks	Good fit for their needs
Vancouver Canucks	Legitimate top-pairing defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	Limited cap space	Young players, draft picks	Good fit for their needs
Washington Capitals	Solid top-four defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	Limited cap space	Young players, draft picks	Decent fit, but may have other needs
Boston Bruins	Solid top-four defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	Limited cap space	Young players, draft picks	Decent fit, but may have other needs
Philadelphia Flyers	Legitimate top-pairing defenseman, experience	Jones’ contract, recent performance	Plenty of cap space	Young players, draft picks	Decent fit, but may not be a top priority