Veteran defenseman’s future in Chicago remains uncertain.

New York Rangers v Chicago Blackhawks | Michael Reaves/GettyImages

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones recently told Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times that he and his agent, Pat Brisson, have discussed a potential trade with general manager Kyle Davidson.

The 30-year-old veteran expressed his desire to compete for a Stanley Cup contender, and with Chicago in the midst of a rebuild, his future with the team remains uncertain.

NEW: Seth Jones says he's talking with the Blackhawks about the possibility of a trade.

"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."

Full story: https://t.co/p9tFU5e6QU

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 19, 2025

With Jones carrying a $9.5 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause, a trade won’t be easy. However, there could be teams in mind that have high hopes or that could possibly benefit from adding the veteran defenseman to their lineup.

Seth Jones is reportedly working with the Hawks to facilitate a potential trade. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/JRYjMhBu3m

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 19, 2025

Here are my top five teams that could be a strong fit for Seth Jones…

1. Dallas Stars

A return to Texas could be an intriguing option for Seth Jones, who grew up in Arlington. The Dallas Stars already have a solid defense core, but adding Jones could strengthen their blue line.

Dallas reached the Western Conference Finals last season before falling to the Edmonton Oilers. With a Stanley Cup window wide open, acquiring Seth Jones could be the final piece that they need to push them all the way to the top.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

With veteran defenseman Brent Burns turning 40 in March and set to become a free agent this offseason, Carolina could add Jones as a long-term replacement.

The Hurricanes recently acquired Taylor Hall from the Blackhawks in a three-way trade with the Avalanche, so maybe the Blackhawks could do what their Chicago sports counterparts, the Bulls did.

Demar DeRozan left the team to sign with the Sacramento Kings last offseason. Then the Bulls were involved in a three-way trade with the Spurs, and Kings at the NBA Trade Deadline, that sent Zach Lavine to the Kings.

Maybe the Blackhawks can do the same thing with Seth Jones. Just a little differently. Plus, Seth Jones can strengthen their blue line.

Pairing him with Jaccob Slavin, Jones would bolster Carolina’s defensive depth as they chase their first Stanley Cup since 2006.

3. Detroit Red Wings

Detroit has been one of the NHL’s improved teams this season. Under new head coach, Todd McLellan, the Red Wings have gone 15-5-1, positioning themselves in a wild card spot.

Their roster already includes former Blackhawks players Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, and Erik Gustafsson.

If Detroit wants to solidify its defense for their pursuit to the playoffs, Jones could be a great candidate.

4. Nashville Predators

A return to Nashville, where Seth Jones started his NHL career, could be an intriguing possibility. I feel like Predators fans would somewhat like this move considering where they are at in the standings, sitting at 19-28-7 of the season.

With Roman Josi as their cornerstone defenseman, Jones could provide additional depth and leadership to a struggling defensive core.

5. Calgary Flames

The Flames are three points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference and are looking to add more key pieces as they continue to climb up in the standings.

They’ve already made moves to improve their forward group by acquiring Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Strengthening their defense with a veteran like Seth Jones could be the next in solidifying their roster.

What should the Blackhawks expect to get back?

While these teams could be strong fits for Seth Jones, his $9.5 million cap hit is the major problem. The Blackhawks would most likely need to retain half his salary in order for a trade to go through.

So, it just depends on whether the Hawks want to use their final retention spot to make him more attractive to a contender.

Additionally, Jones’ no-movement clause gives him control over where he goes. If there is only one team on the list, then it will severely limit what the Hawks could get back.

Seth Jones is in the third year of his eight-year, $76 million contract with Chicago. He has 26 points (6 goals, 20 assists) in 38 games played with a -12 plus/minus for the Blackhawks this season.

As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 7, all eyes will be on Chicago’s front office to see what will happen. Will the Blackhawks move Jones to a contender? Will he remain in Chicago in the near future? Who knows?

For now, he remains a Blackhawk, but when the right deal comes, he could soon be suiting up for a new team in the playoff mix.