FORT LAUDERDALE — Seth Jones, who has experienced the postseason only five times in twelve seasons, is optimistic as he joins the Florida Panthers, known for their contention-level play. After feeling disheartened with the Chicago Blackhawks, Jones is eager for fresh beginnings with the Panthers.
"When you look at the standard in the NHL, this is it," said Jones, signaling his anticipation of engaging playoff competition. The Panthers, the defending Stanley Cup champions, recognized they needed to bolster their defense and sought Jones’s expertise.
On March 1, 2025, the Panthers completed a significant trade: sending goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick to the Blackhawks for Jones. This trade marked one of the boldest moves by General Manager Bill Zito, who previously orchestrated high-profile trades for players like Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart.
"We are thrilled Seth is here," Zito said, reflecting on his prior relationship with Jones from their time together at the Columbus Blue Jackets. Zito emphasized Jones’s character and the valuable experience he brings to the team as pivotal factors behind the trade.
Jones was originally selected fourth overall in the 2013 NHL Draft and has established himself as a formidable defenseman, boasting 97 goals and 432 points across his career. Despite his solid track record, the 30-year-old has faced challenges—he averaged 23:44 minutes of ice time per game and is regarded for his defensive skills but has only reached the Stanley Cup playoffs five times, with his last playoff appearance occurring during the 2020 season.
On March 3, he made his Panthers debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Given the Panthers' expectation for him to perform effectively as part of their second defensive pairing alongside Niko Mikkola, Jones had high hopes for himself. "I am happy to be here, and obviously I wanted to play for a contender. Florida was at the top of my list when it came to this," Jones stated. His arrival increasing the intensity at practice, Panthers’ players engaged earlier and displayed their excitement upon his arrival.
Sasha Barkov, the Panthers’ captain, emphasized the importance of adding a player like Jones: "Adding players like this is a big, big thing for us. Big from Bill [Zito] showing us he wants to give us all the possible chances to win." Coach Paul Maurice acknowledged the significance of Jones's presence contributing positively to team morale.
While welcoming Jones, the Panthers also face the setback of star winger Matthew Tkachuk, who will be out "for an extended period of time" due to a groin injury incurred during the Four Nations Face-Off. Tkachuk, placed on long-term injured reserve as of March 2, 2025, has left the door open for significant roster adjustments prior to the NHL’s trade deadline.
This marks Tkachuk's fifth game missed, and the Panthers are optimistic about his return for the playoffs. With Tkachuk's $9.5 million cap hit now off the books, the Panthers have over $8.7 million available to maneuver for potential roster enhancements. "We hope to get him back for the playoffs," Zito confirmed, reflecting on Tkachuk's injury and outlining strategies as the trade deadline approaches.
Meanwhile, the Panthers remain vigilant as they prepare to streamline their roster for the postseason push, highlighting the arrival of Jones as more than just filling gap but as part of broader strategic moves to contend for another championship.
Jones’s experience and resilience is underscored by his tough years with the Blackhawks, where he felt the weight of pressing expectations. "It has been tough three, four years there. I was just putting too much on myself, trying to do it all, and it was hard mentally day-to-day. Here, I can just focus on hockey," he expressed, indicating his relief and renewed focus within the Panthers setup.
Tonight, as the Panthers host the Lightning at Amerant Bank Arena, fans and team alike are eager to witness Jones solidifying their defensive corps and contributing to their quest for another Stanley Cup title. The stakes are especially compelling as Florida seeks to rebound from their previous loss against Tampa Bay earlier this season.
With high hopes and aspirations, Jones, under contract through the 2029-30 season, looks to make the most of his opportunity with the Panthers, his career now aligned with one of the NHL's premier teams.
ON DECK: GAME No. 62 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING AT FLORIDA PANTHERS - When: Monday, 7 p.m. - Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise.