Seth Jones Ponders a Move to a Contender
Three years into his eight-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, 30-year-old defenseman Seth Jones is contemplating a significant career shift. While he hasn’t formally requested a trade, Jones and his agent have discussed the possibility with Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. This deliberation comes amid the team’s ongoing struggles, which have deepened since the acquisition of Jones from the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2021. At that time, former GM Stan Bowman saw Jones as a linchpin to rejuvenate the aging Blackhawks roster and return them to championship form. However, the team’s performance continued to decline, necessitating a rebuild under Davidson, who took the helm in March 2022. Despite these challenges, Jones remains a valuable asset due to his ability to log significant ice time and his strong puck-moving skills. Adam Proteau of The Hockey News highlighted this, suggesting that a trade could still be feasible if the Blackhawks were willing to retain part of Jones’ salary cap hit.
Challenges in Trading Seth Jones
Jones’ contract, with an average annual value of $9.5 million extending through the 2029-30 season, presents a significant hurdle in any potential trade. His full no-movement clause gives him complete control over where he could be traded, adding another layer of complexity. Darren Dreger of TSN reported that several teams have already inquired about Jones’ availability, underscoring his market value. Proteau speculated that a trade could become more plausible if the Blackhawks were to retain a portion of his salary, a strategy that might be more appealing given the NHL and NHLPA’s recent three-year salary cap projection, which suggests substantial increases. While a mid-season trade by the March 7 NHL trade deadline isn’t out of the question, the off-season could offer the Blackhawks a more favorable opportunity to move Jones. Potential destinations this summer include the Winnipeg Jets, Carolina Hurricanes, and his former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, a three-team deal could also see him land with a contender seeking a defensive upgrade.
Maple Leafs’ Roster Dilemma
As NHL clubs gear up for the continuation of the regular season following the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Toronto Maple Leafs are at a critical juncture. Jonas Siegel of The Athletic argues that the Leafs should take a bold approach to address their roster needs by the trade deadline. Stars Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner are all in their prime, but the window to capitalize on their talents is narrowing. Siegel suggests that management should be open to trading top prospects and their 2026 first-round pick to secure immediate impact players. This aggressive strategy is rooted in the realization that the team’s championship aspirations may hinge on making key acquisitions now rather than banking on future development.
Avalanche’s Depth Needs
The Colorado Avalanche, fresh off their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, are also expected to be active at the trade deadline. According to Adam Proteau, the Avs might surprise some by being buyers for additional depth. Sean Keeler of the Denver Post points out that the team still needs a couple of defensemen and some help at center. However, their plans could be influenced by the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog, who is currently sidelined due to injury. The 32-year-old left winger’s status is uncertain, and his potential return would consume a significant portion of the team’s $4.76 million cap space. Management must carefully weigh their options and decide whether to make moves now or wait for Landeskog’s recovery to solidify their lineup.
Canadiens Enter "Hard Sell" Mode
The Montreal Canadiens find themselves in a precarious position following a dismal 1-7-1 record before the 4 Nations break. Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette believes this slump has pushed the team into a "hard sell" mode for the upcoming trade deadline. With several players eligible to become unrestricted free agents (UFAs) this summer, including Jake Evans, Joel Armia, David Savard, and Christian Dvorak, the Canadiens are likely to explore trade options to recoup some value. Cowan expects these players to be among the first to be moved by March 7, as the team looks to reshape its roster and potentially acquire future assets. The Canadiens’ approach will be pivotal in determining their path forward, whether it be a continued rebuild or a push for playoff contention.
Bruins’ Future Considerations
The Boston Bruins are another team facing important decisions as the season progresses. James Murphy of RG.Org reported that a source claimed the Bruins are currently evaluating the role of 26-year-old left winger Morgan Geekie within their long-term plans. Geekie, an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent (RFA) this summer, has drawn interest from both playoff contenders and rebuilding teams. This situation presents a unique challenge for the Bruins, who must decide whether to lock him into their future or explore trade opportunities. The team’s roster depth and strategic goals will heavily influence their decision, as they aim to maintain their position as a top contender while also ensuring they have the right pieces for sustained success.
