Blackhawks star would welcome a trade, wants 'chance to win'

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones has been the focal point of trade rumors spanning the last few seasons, but it seems the chances of a move are heating up ahead of next months trade deadline.

Jones told Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times that hed welcome a move if Chicago can find one, but he hasnt yet formally requested a trade.

Jones said, If it happens, it happens.

Obviously, while Im here with the Blackhawks, they have my full effort [and] full attention.

He added that hed hope a trade would give him a chance to join a playoff contender.

I would like to give myself a chance to win in my career, Jones said.

I know that the money is not an easy thing to move, and thats what were figuring out.

The Blackhawks have reportedly been contacted by multiple teams interested in acquiring Jones, but his lofty contract is a wedge in any negotiations.

Hes in year three of an eight-year, $76M contract signed on the same day he was traded to Chicago in July 2021.

His $9.5M cap hit makes Jones the seventh-most expensive defender in the NHL, but his 26 points in 38 games this season ranks 14th in points-per-game among defensemen.

Jones statline is rounded out with a minus-12, 16 penalty minutes and 55 hits continuing to paint him as a high-offense, low-defense puck-mover.

Jones has stood as Chicagos No.

1 defenseman through each of the last four seasons, rivaling an average of 25 minutes of ice time in every season.

Hes totaled 145 points in 255 games with the Hawks the third-most of any Chicago defender since 2000, behind Blackhawks legends Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.

Jones hasnt led the team to the same heights as his company, but he has provided a consistent, veteran presence in front of a rebuilding Chicago lineup.

The Hawks havent helped Jones along too much either.

Theyve finished seventh or eighth in the Central Division and ranked in the bottom-four of NHL scoring in every year hes spent with the club.

Jones has been vocal about the emotional weight of that persistent losing in the past, telling Pope last season that the losing nature isnt fun for anyone involved.

A timely trade to a playoff contender could go a long way toward spurring the 30-year-old Jones.

Hes still a productive scorer capable of filling important roles at even-strength and on special teams.

If a team can work around his hefty cap hit, Jones could be a quick way to boost the blueline on a playoff hopeful.

The Blackhawks will likely need to retain part of his salary to make that happen and may need convincing before they part ways with their clear No.

1.

But top prospects like Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel are both commanding more respect in Chicagos pipeline and could be apt replacements for Jones should his top-end role open up.

This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission..

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