Seth Jones Reaches Breaking Point, Pushes for Blackhawks Exit
Seth Jones has gone from being open to a trade to all but demanding one, making it clear that his patience with the Chicago Blackhawks has run out.
Speaking with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Ben Pope, Jones revealed that he and his agent are actively discussing a potential exit with the Blackhawks’ front office. His reasoning isn’t personal it’s about winning. And right now, he doesn’t see that happening in Chicago anytime soon.
While Jones is locked into a long-term deal that runs through the decade, the Blackhawks are banking on their young talent to turn the franchise around. But that timeline doesn’t align with Jones’ urgency. Since joining the Blackhawks, he’s endured nothing but losing seasons, and the frustration is clearly boiling over.
When Jones signed, he envisioned competing for the playoffs not being part of a full-scale rebuild. Yet, for the past three seasons, the Blackhawks have been more focused on securing high draft picks than winning games. What was supposed to be a season of “raised standards” has instead turned into another year of bottoming out.
If Jones truly wants out, it makes sense for Chicago to explore trade options. Despite never quite living up to his Norris Trophy-level contract, he remains a reliable top-pair defenseman who can log over 25 minutes a night when fully engaged. Contending teams would be interested if the Blackhawks are willing to eat a significant portion of his $9.5 million cap hit.
That’s the challenge. Chicago only has one salary retention slot left this season, and committing to holding part of Jones’ contract for years could complicate future moves. GM Kyle Davidson may prefer to use that flexibility on short-term deals rather than tying up cap space for the rest of the decade.
At some point whether at the trade deadline or in the offseason moving Jones seems inevitable. Clearing part of his hefty cap hit would free up resources for marquee free agents like Mikko Rantanen or Mitch Marner, both of whom could accelerate the team’s rebuild. Plus, Chicago’s pipeline is stacked with young defensemen who need ice time something Jones would only block if he stays.
If Jones no longer believes in Chicago’s vision, then the Blackhawks should grant his wish and send him where he wants to be.
