Blackhawks, Jones have discussed possibility of trade

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones hasn't formally requested a trade, but he and agent Pat Brisson have been chatting with general manager Kyle Davidson about the possibility of a move.

"We all know the whole story and what happened when I got here," Jones said, per the Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope. "I would like to give myself a chance to win in my career. I know that the money is not an easy thing to move, and that's what we're figuring out. If it happens, it happens. 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."

He added, "Winning games makes you feel better. It makes the team feel better. It makes your organization feel 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."

Teams have reportedly been calling about Jones' availability.

The Blackhawks acquired Jones from the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2021 offseason in exchange for a package that included two first-round picks and a second-rounder. Chicago then signed the rearguard to a mammoth eight-year pact with an average annual value of $9.5 million and a full no-movement clause.

Jones is currently playing out the third year of that pact in his fourth season in Chicago. The Blackhawks have struggled mightily during his tenure, amassing a 94-175-32 record since 2021-22. Their .365 points percentage is tied with the San Jose Sharks for the worst in the league over that span.

The 30-year-old was booed by frustrated Blackhawks fans during a particularly ugly 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames in January. He said the reaction came "with the territory" of his huge contract.

Jones has the fifth-highest cap hit among all defensemen this campaign, trailing only Zach Werenski ($9.583 million), Rasmus Dahlin ($11 million), Drew Doughty ($11 million), and Erik Karlsson ($11.5 million).

Jones has hit the 40-point mark four times and the 50-point milestone twice, including in his first season with the Blackhawks.

The Texas native has six goals - including two game-winners - and 26 points in 38 appearances with Chicago this campaign while averaging 24:38 minutes of ice time per contest.