The general manager of the defending champs explains the decision to go get Jones and what else his team might need before the deadline.

Veteran defenseman Seth Jones impressed his Florida Panthers teammates in his debut Monday night, a 2-1 victory over their in-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning in which he played just under 23 minutes and nearly scored a goal for the Stanley Cup champions.

Seth Jones impressed his Florida Panthers teammates in his debut Monday night, but it’s anyone’s guess when Matthew Tkachuk will be sharing the ice with his newest teammate

The Panthers sent goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional 2026 first-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice had high praise for Seth Jones after his debut with the team on Monday evening.

Seth Jones was traded to the Florida Panthers by the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday for goalie Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Florida also received a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft.

Seth Jones wanted out of Chicago. The Panthers needed help on defense. And now the defending champs look ready for another playoff run.

The Athletic has live coverage of the 2025 NHL trade deadline. Seth Jones wanted out, and it didn’t take long for the Blackhawks to grant his wish. Chicago dealt the veteran defenseman to the Florida Panthers on Saturday night in exchange for a conditional 2026 first-round pick and goaltender Spencer Knights.