Report: Blackhawks’ Seth Jones leaves open trade possibility, says he’s seeking ‘chance to win’

Could Seth Jones be on the move ahead of the March 7 NHL trade deadline?

While the heavy contract of the Chicago Blackhawks defenseman – signed through 2028-29 at a $9.5-million annual average value – could make a deal difficult to accomplish, Jones is open to a move to greener pastures.

“I would like to give myself a chance to win in my career,” Jones told Ben Hope of the Chicago Sun-Times. “I know that the money is not an easy thing to move, and that’s what we’re figuring out.”

While Jones has not requested a trade, he and his agent alongside Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson have talked ‘back and forth’ about the possibility. Furthermore, as Jones carries a full no-movement clause, any trade out of Chicago would have to come with his approval.

“If it happens, it happens,” Jones added. “Obviously, while I’m here with the Blackhawks, they have my full effort [and] full attention to this team to try to get this team better … You have fun coming to the rink every day. That’s what my goal is for this team, as long as I’m here. It could be two weeks. It could be five more years.”

Through 38 appearances with the Blackhawks this season, Jones has tallied six goals with 20 assists for 26 points to sit fifth in team scoring and first among defensemen. Jones also ranks 12th league-wide in averaging 24:38 in time on ice.

Originally chosen fourth overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2013 NHL Draft, Jones has seen 835 career contests counting stops with the Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Blackhawks in which he has registered 96 goals and 335 assists for 431 points. The 30-year-old Texas-born blue-liner has also notched five goals and 19 assists for 24 points through 37 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with his last postseason appearance coming in 2020 while part of the Blue Jackets. The Blackhawks acquired Jones from the Blue Jackets in 2021.