The Chicago Blackhawks need to acquire one of these 3 defensemen
2. Seth Jones (Columbus Blue Jackets)
In the modern NHL, the top defensive unit requires speed, great puck skill, elite playmaking, and the ability to shut down the top forwards in the show. Seth Jones is someone who can do all of this and more.
He’s shown that he has the capability of being a true top-pair defenseman in the NHL through his time playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets while paired with Zack Werenski. Together, the two blueliners were easily the top defensive pairing in the NHL. Now, looking for a fresh start, Jones could find himself rocking a Hawks jersey in the United Center if both sides are willing to make a move.
Jones fills the needs that Chicago is looking for – a big, aggressive, right-handed, puck-moving defenseman who clogs the lanes and sacrifices his body to protect the net. In the last four seasons, he has registered more than 100 blocked shots each year respectively, while also recording 100+ hits in two of the past four years as well.
On offense, he has recorded 161 points in 265 games played in the last four years, with 40 of those points coming from the power play. Out of the players on this list, Jones can log the most minutes and is more effective in the defensive zone.
While there have yet to be expectations set on the asking price for the 6-foot-4 and 210 pound defenseman, it is likely that it would require the Blackhawks to fork up a First-Round Draft pick and a high-end prospect.
Looking at his contract situation, Jones is set to make $5.4 million in 2021-22 in the final year of his current deal. Based on his success thus far, anything less than $8.5 million will likely be rejected by the lockdown D-man. This is a tall price to pay, but if it brings in another Stanley Cup to Chicago, it’ll surely be worth it.
Plus, with his brother Caleb now in the building, Seth Jones will have the inside track on what life is like as a Chicago Blackhawk, and that could persuade him to sign a long-term deal if he were to be traded to the Windy City this coming offseason.