NHL Trade Grades: Blackhawks Fulfill Seth Jones’ Request While Panthers Continue Their Push

The Athletic is covering the 2025 NHL trade deadline live.

Trade Details:

Florida Panthers receive: D Seth Jones

Chicago Blackhawks receive: G Spencer Knight, 2027 first-round pick

Chicago retains: $2.5 million of Jones’ $9.5 million contract.

Insights by Mark Lazerus: Seth Jones is a solid player despite being part of a struggling Chicago Blackhawks team for years. His stats may not shine, but he takes on heavy minutes and performs well on the ice. He has the skills to run a power play and can deliver powerful shots. The challenge is that he’s paid as a top defenseman but plays more like a strong second or great third defenseman. In Florida, he’ll serve as a valuable third behind Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad, with a more manageable salary cap hit closer to his true value.

The Blackhawks, aiming for depth through the draft, are adding another first-round pick to a growing collection. They have had eight picks in the last three drafts and more coming soon, but these picks often come late in the draft order. The excitement may be low, as the true impact of these selections won’t be seen for years. However, Jones made it clear he wanted to leave, and the Blackhawks acted quickly to facilitate the trade.

Insights by Sean Gentille: Sometimes trades happen at the perfect time. With Matthew Tkachuk out due to injury, the Panthers found the cap space to make a big move. They’re chasing the Cup and need solid players like Jones, who can thrive under less pressure compared to his time in Chicago.

Jones will be a key player in Florida. He won’t have to carry the entire load and can focus on what he does best—retrieving pucks and starting plays. This trade isn’t without complications, given Jones’s age and contract, but the Panthers are focused on winning now.

From Chicago’s perspective, retaining part of Jones’s salary is a smart move, giving them some financial relief. They also added promising pieces through this trade, which suggests they’re starting a new chapter.

Insights by Harman Dayal: This trade could benefit both teams. The Blackhawks found a quick solution to a potential problem with Jones. They acquired Spencer Knight, whose performance this season shows potential, and a first-round pick that adds to their rebuilding strategy.

For the Panthers, giving up Knight is tough given his talent and potential to be a top goalie. But they needed help on defense, especially with injuries affecting their lineup. Jones may have been miscast in Chicago but could succeed in Florida, where many players reach new heights. Like Hampus Lindholm thriving after moving from Anaheim to Boston, environment plays a significant role in a player’s success.

As both teams adapt to these changes, the future is uncertain but filled with possibilities.

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Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks, NHL