Panthers’ Seth Jones heads to locker room during Winter Classic vs. Rangers

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Panthers’ Seth Jones heads to locker room during Winter Classic vs. Rangers

Tristin McKinstry, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Sat, Jan 3, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Panthers' Seth Jones heads to locker room during Winter Classic vs. Rangers appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The Florida Panthers and New York Rangers are currently battling it out in the 2026 Winter Classic. The NHL's marquee outdoor contest is making its southernmost voyage this year. And it's sure to be a quality game between two teams hunting for the postseason. Unfortunately, Florida may be without defenseman Seth Jones .

Jones was seen leaving the ice at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. He went down one of the dugouts, heading toward the locker room. With Jones out, Aaron Ekblad and Jeff Petry appear to have moved up in the defensive pairings. Jones did not return to Florida's bench for the second period against the Rangers .

Jones plays a rather significant role on this Panthers team. He is a top-four defenseman, contributing at both ends of the ice for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. This year, Jones has played 40 games, including the Winter Classic. He has six goals and 24 points for the Panthers in those games.

The veteran defenseman joined the Panthers last season at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. The Panthers sent goaltender Spencer Knight and a 2026 first-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Jones. This trade helped Florida win its second Stanley Cup in a row back in June.

Losing Jones for an extended period of time would be a big blow to this Florida defense. For now, they need to focus on winning the Winter Classic and gaining ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Hopefully, Jones is able to return to the ice and play without any complications.

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