Seth Jones Traded to Panthers in Blockbuster Deal with Blackhawks
Big news in the NHL—Seth Jones is on the move! The Chicago Blackhawks have traded their star defenseman to the Florida Panthers in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Florida also gets a fourth-round pick in the same draft. This deal marks a major shift for both teams, but let’s break down what it really means.
Now, Jones has been a key player for the Blackhawks, but frustration had been building. After a tough loss earlier this week, he openly voiced his disappointment with the team’s lack of progress. Sitting near the bottom of the league standings, Chicago just wasn’t moving in the direction Jones had hoped. He even stated he was willing to waive his no-movement clause, signaling that a trade was inevitable. And now, here we are.
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The 30-year-old defenseman is in the third season of his massive eight-year, $76 million contract. He’s a proven leader, logging big minutes and producing on both ends of the ice. This season, despite missing some time with a foot injury, he’s put up 27 points in 42 games. Florida sees him as a game-changer—a veteran presence who can anchor their blue line as they push for playoff success.
On the other side, Chicago is making a strategic move for the future. They get Spencer Knight, a young and talented goalie who was once considered Florida’s future in net. At 23 years old, Knight has a solid track record but spent last season in the AHL after stepping away from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. If he reaches his full potential, he could be a crucial piece in Chicago’s long-term rebuild.
The first-round pick also gives the Blackhawks more assets to reshape their roster. If Florida doesn’t have their 2026 pick, Chicago will receive their 2027 first-rounder instead. That flexibility is huge as they try to build a contender for the years ahead.
For Florida, this trade is about winning now. The Panthers are leading the Atlantic Division and looking to go deep in the playoffs. Adding Jones to their defensive core makes them even stronger, especially in high-pressure situations. Panthers GM Bill Zito called Jones a "proven leader" and a "workhorse" who can help Florida compete at the highest level.
This move shakes up the NHL landscape and could have major playoff implications. Will Jones be the missing piece for the Panthers? Can Spencer Knight become a franchise goalie for Chicago? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—this trade has the hockey world buzzing.
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