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Seth Jones trade grades: Who won deal between Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks?
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- Seth Jones trade grades: Who won deal between Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks?
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones said during the 4 Nations Face-Off break that he "would like to give myself a chance to win in my career."
His wish was granted on Saturday when the 31st-place Blackhawks traded him to the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers .
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The Panthers send goalie Spencer Knight to Chicago, plus a 2026 conditional first-round pick that could become a 2027 pick. The Blackhawks retain 26% of Jones' remaining contract, which runs through 2029-30 at a cap hit of $9.5 million. Florida also gets a 2026 fourth-round pick.
Grading Saturday's trade between the Blackhawks and Panthers:
Panthers trade grade: B
Jones is a right-shot defenseman, which is coveted around the league, and he averages more than 24 minutes a night. The Panthers lost defenseman Brandon Montour (a right shot) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson to free agency after their Cup win, so Jones fills some of that loss. His numbers haven't popped recently but how much of that was being on a bad team? His combined -108 over four seasons in Chicago should improve on a better team. Jones' long-term contract will help with defenseman Aaron Ekblad and Nate Schmidt in the final years of their contract. Knight was supposed to eventually replace Sergei Bobrovsky as the Panthers' top goalie, but it didn't look like it was going to happen.
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Blackhawks trade grade: B
Jones' recent comments showed he was frustrated and didn't want to be in Chicago. So it was clear he was going to be moved at some point. Getting a first-round pick is a good reward, considering a player's trade request can lead to lower returns. Knight, 23, who has a 2.40 goals-against average (1.66 goals-against average since Jan. 3), can become the Blackhawks' goalie of the future. He won't be stuck behind multiple Vezina Trophy winner Bobrovsky any more. Petr Mrazek , 33, has another year left on his deal after this season. Knight will be a restricted free agent after next season and should be a No. 1 goalie before then.
This story has updated with new information.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Seth Jones trade grades: Analyzing Blackhawks-Panthers deal
