REPORT: Proposed Trade with Blackhawks Not Beneficial for Oilers…
ESPN recently floated an ambitious trade idea that would send Seth Jones to the Edmonton Oilers, but it seems unlikely to come to fruition.
While the idea of bringing Seth Jones to Edmonton might seem appealing, it’s not the solution the Oilers are looking for. ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski suggested Jones could be a fit due to his past connection with new Oilers GM Stan Bowman, who originally signed him in Chicago. However, despite Edmonton’s need for a right-shot defenseman, trading for Jones comes with multiple downsides.
First and foremost, Jones’ contract is a major hurdle. With a massive $9.25 million cap hit running through the 2029-30 season, taking on that financial commitment would severely limit the Oilers’ ability to address other key areas. Edmonton already faces cap space constraints, and a long-term deal like Jones’ would make it nearly impossible to deal with future needs.
Stars like Leon Draisaitl (already signed), Connor McDavid, and Evan Bouchard are approaching their next contracts, and adding Jones’ hefty deal wouldn’t be a wise decision.
Additionally, there’s no guarantee that Chicago would agree to retain any salary in a trade involving Jones, especially since he has several years left on his contract. The Oilers also have their own financial burdens with Darnell Nurse’s large contract, and Jones’ deal would only exacerbate that.
Secondly, Jones’ underwhelming performance in Chicago can’t be overlooked. His minus-90 rating over 217 games with the Blackhawks is the second worst in the league during that time. While some might attribute this to Chicago’s rebuilding phase, Edmonton cannot assume that Jones’ struggles aren’t partly his own.
Lastly, Jones has a full no-move clause, giving him control over any trade discussions. Even if Edmonton tried to pursue a deal, Jones could decline to waive his clause and stay in Chicago, possibly waiting out the team’s rebuild to play alongside emerging star Connor Bedard.
This Trade Isn’t the Right Move for Edmonton…
While Jones has a history with Stan Bowman, the Oilers have prioritized cap flexibility by letting players like Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway go. Acquiring Jones would likely eliminate any remaining flexibility.
Although Jones could add depth to Edmonton’s defense, the risks far outweigh the potential benefits. His ability to play heavy minutes doesn’t automatically make him the right fit, and if he doesn’t mesh well with Nurse, it could backfire.
Considering Jones’ cap hit, inconsistent performance, and his power to block a trade, this proposal feels more like a fantasy than a realistic option for the Oilers.
