Blackhawks' Rumors: Trade talks heating up on Seth Jones

The Chicago Blackhawks are listening to trade offers on defenseman Seth Jones. The 30-year-old blueliner is signed through the 2029-30 season at $9.5 million AAV, and with the salary cap going up substantially the next three seasons, there's been an uptick in trade interest in the right-handed blueliner.

Recently, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff dished on Jones getting moved, and had this to say:

Do the massive salary cap increases agreed upon between the NHL and NHLPA make it easier for the Hawks to move Jones? Maybe. At $9.5 million, Jones will count for just 8 percent of the cap three seasons from now. Yes, he will be 33 then, but he is such a gifted and effortless skater there shouldn’t be any concern on the age curve chart. Jones has averaged 25:18 over four seasons in Chicago. He is a fine defenseman, just an overpaid one, and the Blackhawks are willing to be creative to move a player who doesn’t necessarily line up with their timeline. Sounds like talks are picking up on that front.

Keep an eye on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Yes, the same team where Jones spent parts of six seasons, before landing with the Blackhawks. Columbus has cap space, they have an up-and-coming team who are hitting stride a couple of years before their timeline, and they have an aggressive GM in Don Waddell, who is looking to make a splash ahead of the deadline.

Because of Jones' money left on the table, it's not going to be a huge trade offer that is needed to get the Blackhawks to budge. GM Kyle Davidson would likely be open to just about anything if it means he gets Jones' massive contract off his books, and can spend the money up front to find Connor Bedard some help offensively.

Jones has a no-movement clause, so if he's going to approve a trade, it will be to a team or situation where he's comfortable and familiar. Columbus makes a ton of sense.