It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the Four Nations tournament break and the March 7 trade deadline. This means teams could be in the market to be dealing some of their players. We’ve seen some big names on the move already. However, the upcoming deadline could see more big-ticket deals being made. One club that’s already been wheeling and dealing is the Chicago Blackhawks. This edition of NHL rumours looks into a Blackhawks blueliner that could be on the move.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Chicago Blackhawks Defenceman Could Get Moved at the Deadline
Rumour: The Athletic’s Chris Johnston released his latest round of his Big Trade Board. Blackhawks defenceman Seth Jones is listed as seventh on the list at this time.
Analysis: Chicago has already made some moves with Taylor Hall being part of the blockbuster deal with the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche. Blackhawks General Manager may not be done clearing out cap space to pile up assets.
We discussed in a previous edition of NHL Rumours that Ryan Donato‘s name has been tossed around as possible trade bait. However, Donato’s deal is a small drop in the bucket compared to what Jones commands.
The 30-year-old blueliner currently carries a $9.5 million cap hit. Some would think that would be a hard contract to move. However, that task may not be as impossible as some think.
Jones does carry a hefty price tag, but he does have a skill set that’s in demand according to Johnston. The right-handed shot defenseman can eat up big minutes in all situations and handle a shutdown role.
What It Means
Despite the positives, there are some things that some general managers might get scared of. Jones does gobble up plenty of minutes, but it’s not just the value that may be a stumbling block. The Dallas-area native does have plenty of term left on his contract. Jones isn’t an unrestricted free agent until the 2029-30 season.
However, it’s not just the money or the length that could be of concerns. Jones does hold a full no-trade clause in his contract. Davidson would have to get Jones to waive that in order for a trade to happen. Chicago’s GM is going to have find the right dance partner in order to make a deal that Jones would be interested in.
However, the Blackhawks may still be a few years away from being a Stanley Cup contender. There are good young pieces like Connor Bedard on the team. However, Jones may want to be part of a team that’s trying to contend for a championship. A player like Jones could play a big role on a team that has designs on a Stanley Cup.
One way a deal could be made is if Chicago or someone else retains some salary. The Blackhawks are retaining salary on Rantanen and Jake McCabe and have one more retention slot it can use. This could be a way for them to make a trade go down easier.
Main photo by: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
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