Seth Jones needs to be better with the Panthers

The hockey world took notice when the Florida Panthers acquired Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks on March 1.

Many thought Jones, the 12-year veteran who spent the last three-and-a-half seasons struggling in The Windy City, would join the Panthers and thrive in a different environment, not being subject to playing nearly half the game each night in every situation.

But in 10 games with the club, Florida has been forced to play the 30-year-old Jones an average of 25:25 a game, with injuries and a 20-game suspension to Aaron Ekblad hurting the club. In that time, the 2013 No. 4 overall pick has struggled, with a 47.2 percent expected goals and just one goal.

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss Jones’ first 10 games for the Panthers and what he needs to do to succeed in the Sunshine State.

Tyler Yaremchuk: The one area where I’ll give Jones some slack is that he came in, then Aaron Ekblad immediately went out. Initially, Jones was brought in to more of a sheltered situation, and then he’s back to playing 25 minutes a night. With him on the ice, the Panthers have been outscored seven to three at five-on-five.

Any concern about how Jones is playing in Florida?

Frank Seravalli: Yeah, because he really struggled in Chicago, and wasn’t playing anywhere near to the level that was commensurate to his pay. The Blackhawks chopped off $2.5 million and send him to Florida, where he has the next five years remaining on his deal. I thought it would be a great spot for him, because

1. 1: He jumps back into playing meaningful hockey, and
2. 2: He wouldn’t necesarily be counted on to be the guy, and
3. 3. The contract isn’t really that much of a burden.

Except, when you don’t play well, or don’t ratchet your game up, and maybe that takes a little bit of time, but it’s definitely concerning that he hasn’t looked better up until this point.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…