NHL Trade Rumors: Dallas Stars & Chicago Blackhawks linked to pre-deadline deal

The Dallas Stars have already made a significant trade leading up to the March 7 deadline, as they landed Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks, turns out GM Jim Nill might not be finished. 

According to Kyle Cushman of The Score, he suggests the Stars should consider making a trade for Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Seth Jones. Cushman mentioned he'd like to see the Stars land Jones, in what would be a blockbuster pre-deadline deal. 

Overpaid doesn't mean bad. That's something to remember about Jones, who's been in a very difficult situation the past couple of years in Chicago. He hasn't lived up to his $9.5-million cap hit, but he's still a good defenseman whose athleticism and size make him a top-pairing option. The Stars have three quality left-handed defensemen in Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and Esa Lindell. Add a legitimate right-shot option in Jones, and Dallas' defense transforms into a seriously well-rounded unit. It would require flexibility from the Blackhawks regarding salary retention, and a player such as Matt Dumba would have to be included to make the money work, but this one isn't impossible.

With the Blackhawks once again struggling this season, GM Kyle Davidson could choose to move the 30-year-old Jones for some younger assets who align better with Connor Bedard's career path. Jones earns $9.5 million AAV through the 2029-30 season, and does hold a full no-trade clause. Playing for a Stanley Cup contender, in a state with no income tax could certainly be appealing.

Jones has recorded 26 points in 38 games and is leading the Blackhawks' defence core in scoring. In Dallas, they have been hammered with injuries and currently have a projected $4.5 million in deadline cap space, meanwhile have $12-million in their LTIR pool.

Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images