It’s a countdown to the NHL trade deadline, but who will make the most interesting moves? Well, there’s a lot of time left for a clear winner to emerge, but the Chicago Blackhawks are certainly putting themselves in contention. The front office has just completed some pretty good business that also bodes well for their rebuild. And the fans could not be happier because it involves Seth Jones.

What is this good business, you may ask? Well, on Saturday the Hawks traded Jones to the Florida Panthers in exchange for goalkeeper Spencer Knight, as well as a 2027 first-round pick. With the Blackhawks in contention for getting this year’s first overall pick, this trade has certainly put them in a good position to complete that rebuild soon.

Jones was a good defenseman, though his was an expensive 8-year, $76 million contract with a $9.5 million AAV. While the Hawks were open to a trade, it didn’t look too likely with that contract. Plus, as head coach Anders Sorensen said, “Seth is a pro, great guy in the locker room, so we’ll miss him.”

But now it’s the Florida Panthers who will be able to utilize his skills as he looks to help the team potentially win back-to-back Stanley Cups.  “Seth is an elite veteran defenseman and a proven leader in our league. He has been one of the most consistent players of the past decade, serving as a reliable workhorse on both sides of the puck, and he will help our club continue to compete at the highest level,” said Panthers GM Bill Zito.

Ultimately, all parties involved benefit from the outcome.. After all, Jones did reveal recently that he was looking to leave the Windy City in search of greener pastures. “I still have some good years ahead. I want to hope to maybe be in a situation where I’m competing for a Stanley Cup, at least playing some meaningful games in May and hopefully June.” While the trade may not have come as a big surprise to Hawks fans, it has certainly come as a cause for celebration.

Fans are happy with the Seth Jones trade

There are countless examples of trades that infuriate fans or leave them heartbroken. In fact, just ask Hawks fans, and they’ll quickly point to Patrick Kane‘s trade or, a bit further back, the controversial Artemi Panarin trade. But this time, the fans have been unanimous in their reactions on the Blackhawks subreddit. And it’s all positive. “This shocked me in the absolute best way possible,” wrote one fan.

The inclusion of Spencer Knight, not just the exit of Jones, is one of the reasons for fans going crazy over it. “I can’t believe they got Spencer Knight,” exclaimed one fan. Another one added, “Oh hell yeah. I like Knight.” Getting a good goalie + freeing up some cap space? It’s looking good for the Blackhawks community.

But yes, ultimately many fans do feel relief with Jones gone. “SETH JONES IS GONE!I’M SO HAPPY!” was a prevailing sentiment in the comment section. Although he’s a good defender, Jones’ 4 years in Chi-town left a lot to be desired, especially considering his contract. A contract that was considered too big an albatross to be moved.

But now the Hawks front office has finessed a trade once thought impossible (with good returns too!). The mood is a lot lighter and full of relief. “THE BAD MAN IS GONE,” wrote a fan, paired with a dig at Jones.

It’s now time for fans to bid farewell to Seth Jones, and they are not at all disappointed at having to do so. Without much fanfare, another fan casually commented, “See ya Seth!” As Hawks fans celebrate, it begets the question: Can this trade turn things around? Seth Jones’ trade to the Blackhawks was an attempt by former GM Stan Bowman to resurrect their early 2010s dominance. Will his departure usher in a new era for a team that’s been struggling for close to a decade? Only time will tell, but it’s a promising start nonetheless.