In a shocking development, the Chicago Blackhawks have officially confirmed the departure of their $86 million veteran superstar defenseman, Seth Jones, in what many are calling a trade bust. Jones, who has struggled to meet expectations since signing his massive contract, informed the team he wants to move on, citing personal reasons and the desire for a fresh start.
This news comes as a blow to Chicago, which had invested heavily in Jones, hoping he would be a cornerstone of their blue line. Despite flashes of brilliance, the five-time NHL All-Star failed to fully live up to the hype of his eight-year, $76 million deal, prompting both sides to reconsider his future with the team.
Trade Pitch: Red Wings Eyeing Blockbuster Deal for $76 Million Defenseman Seth Jones
Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings, desperate to end their playoff drought, are reportedly exploring a blockbuster deal to acquire Jones from Chicago. According to a trade pitch circulated online, the proposed deal would send Seth Jones to Detroit in exchange for winger JT Compher, defenseman Justin Holl, and a 2025 third-round pick (owned by Boston).
If the trade materializes, it would be a high-profile swap, allowing both teams to offload what have become burdensome contracts. Despite his struggles, Jones remains a top defenseman capable of anchoring Detroit’s first or second pairing. In the 2023-24 season, Jones registered 8 goals and 23 assists for 31 points over 67 games for the Blackhawks, showcasing his offensive upside despite his defensive inconsistencies.
Detroit’s Side of the Deal
For the Red Wings, the trade would signal their commitment to improving defensively—a key focus for General Manager Steve Yzerman heading into the 2024-25 season. Yzerman has been vocal about his desire for the team to become more solid on the back end, and acquiring a player like Jones could be the bold move necessary to jumpstart their playoff aspirations. The Red Wings haven’t made the playoffs since 2015-16, and adding a veteran like Jones might help them break that drought.
On the flip side, Detroit would send two solid assets to Chicago. Compher, entering the second year of a five-year, $25.5 million deal, could provide depth as a bottom-six forward for the Blackhawks. Last season, he recorded 19 goals and 29 assists in 77 games. Holl, meanwhile, struggled to find his footing with the Red Wings, becoming a healthy scratch at times during the season. He has two years remaining on his three-year, $10.2 million deal, and moving him could clear cap space for Detroit.
Yzerman’s Vision for a Stronger Defensive Core
Yzerman, who added key players like Vladimir Tarasenko, Cam Talbot, and Erik Gustafsson in the offseason, has made it clear that the Red Wings must become a better defensive team overall. “We need to be a better defensive hockey club, top to bottom,” Yzerman said. “Our special teams have improved, but we gave up too many goals to make the playoffs. The key to long-term success is being a good defensive team.”
Detroit’s 41-32-9 record last season left them just short of the playoffs, and Yzerman is determined to see more progress from both the team and their younger players in 2024-25.
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