The Chicago Blackhawks have made a major mistake. They willingly traded their best player to a rival—a disastrous move, considering that the opponents here are the defending champions of the 2024 Stanley Cup—the Florida Panthers, who walked away as clear winners in Saturday’s trade deal with the Blackhawks in exchange for their goalkeeper, Spencer Knight. And what did the Panthers gain? A top-tier defenseman in Seth Jones—a clear win. The Hawks, however, are still on the hook for over 26% of Jones’ salary—roughly $2.5 million a year. His ongoing contract with the team runs through 2030. And just like that, Chicago’s blue line takes a massive hit—one that could haunt them for seasons to come.

Jones’ removal has left Blackhawks in a tough spot

Trading Seth Jones was a quick decision that wasn’t widely discussed. The shift disrupts multiple facets of the team. The Hawks, who never made playoffs in Jones’s presence, now have Spencer Knight to lead. But with no real shot at the postseason, Jones waived his trade clause, choosing to join the Panthers instead.

With 97 goals and 335 assists in 839 career games, Jones’ contributions will no longer benefit the Hawks. NHL insider Frank Seravalli praised Florida’s recruitment of Seth Jones, saying, “They were able to preempt the market, give themselves another authentic crack at a Stanley Cup by bringing in Jones… He can play 25 minutes a night.”

Carrying the quality of a defenseman despite a lackluster season, Seravalli emphasized that Jones’ addition will strengthen Florida’s defensive lineup.

“Now, you think about the pairs moving forward in Florida; they can throw Forsling and Jones together… Those top two pairs might not need to come off the ice.”

With Gustav Forsling, Dmitry Kulikov, and Niko Mikkola, the Panthers’ blue line looks even scarier. Frustrated by Chicago’s struggles, Jones sees Florida as both a fresh start and a real shot at the Stanley Cup.

“I think you’re going to see a rejuvenated Seth Jones, a difference-maker. A guy who comes in hugely motivated to impact a playoff team that has an authentic chance at a Stanley Cup.”

This could be Florida’s third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final, and this time they have a new defensive weapon in Jones. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are left with Spencer Knight, a shift that remains uncertain in improving their performance. If Jones thrives in Florida, the Hawks will be left kicking themselves as the trade deadline looms. Now, with Jones gone and Knight between the pipes, the Blackhawks are scrambling defensively—on and off the ice.

Now that they’ve parted with Seth Jones, what’s next for the Blackhawks?

Losing a top-tier defenseman puts the Blackhawks in a tough position. Adding Spencer Knight to the goalie lineup alongside Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom does not significantly improve their outlook. The team currently sits at No. 8 in the Central Division.

With Drew Commesso injured and having played only two games this season, the Blackhawks face further difficulties. Retaining Seth Jones’ 26% salary gives them some financial relief, but Mrazek’s $4.25 million AAV cap hit could force them into another trade. Spencer Knight, with his $4.5 million AAV deal, now adds a new financial component for the team to consider.

As the 2025 trade deadline approaches, the NHL sees major shake-ups in team rosters. If Seth Jones lives up to expectations in Florida, this trade will go down as a massive win for the Panthers and a critical loss for the Blackhawks.