Seth Jones’ future with the Chicago Blackhawks is a topic of growing interest in the NHL rumor mill.
The 30-year-old defenseman said last week that he discussed the possibility of a trade with Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson, but he hadn’t formally requested a move.
Jones’ contract is a significant obstacle in the path to a trade. He carries an average annual value of $9.5 million through 2029-30, plus he has a full no-movement clause.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported last Sunday that he doesn’t believe Jones has given management a list of preferred trade destinations. Nevertheless, he is thought to want to join a contender.
TSN’s Chris Johnston suggested the Dallas Stars could be a great fit. He pointed out that Jones spent part of his childhood in Dallas and would love to play there. However, it would depend on how much of his cap hit the Blackhawks would retain.
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline pondered the possibility of Jones returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets. They traded him to the Blackhawks in 2021, but there’s different management in Columbus now, and the team is improving, opening the door to a reunion. Jones remains close with Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, who said he’d be open to his friend’s return.
Portzline observed the Blue Jackets have plenty of salary cap space but speculated they could want the Blackhawks to retain part of Jones’ cap hit. However, his colleague Mark Lazerus indicated that Davidson isn’t interested in retaining any part of the blueliner’s hefty cap hit to facilitate a trade.
The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau suggested the Detroit Red Wings could look into Jones. They cleared cap space by trading goaltender Ville Husso to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations and were reportedly interested in Jacob Trouba last off-season.
Meanwhile, there’s ongoing uncertainty over whether the Vancouver Canucks and Brock Boeser will agree to a contract extension. The 28-year-old right winger is completing a three-year deal with an AAV of $6.65 million. He’ll be UFA-eligible on July 1.
Patrick Johnston of The Province reported Saturday that contract negotiations between the two sides have reached an impasse. He thinks it’s difficult to imagine the Canucks not trading Boeser by the March 7 deadline since there will be teams willing to pay for a proven playoff performer.
However, The Athletic’s Thomas Drance reported they could keep him as an “own rental” unless they fall out of a playoff berth by the deadline.
Elliotte Friedman weighed in on Boeser’s contract talks during Monday’s 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. He said term remained a big issue between the two sides but didn’t rule out a quick resolution before the trade deadline. Meanwhile, his colleague Courtney Jacobsen listed the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings and Utah Hockey Club as possible destinations for Boeser.
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