The Panthers are doing everything they can to defend their title.
The surviving Stanley Cup champions have won defensive man Seth Jones and announced their fourth pick of 2026 from the Florida Blackhawks on Saturday night.
Chicago has won conditional first round picks and goaltender Spencer Knight in return for 2026.
The four-time All-Star Jones expressed his dissatisfaction with the Blackhawks and in an interview with Athletic, he said he was willing to waive his in-movement clause.
“I've been here for the past four years, perhaps the darkest times the Blackhawks have seen for some time.” Jones told the outlet. “I think things are rising. They're moving forward. But I think my timeline might be different from Kyle. [Davidson[ and Norm’s [Maciver] And the Blackhawks. No one has anything. I don't hold to anyone that they decided to do here. Sometimes it's not in everyone's plans. ”
The 30-year-old 12-year-old NHL veteran will move from the second team in the Western Conference to the second best team in the East.
In 42 games this year, Jones has seven goals and 20 assists, with an average ice time of 24:30 to lead the team.
His 15 power play points were at the top of the Blackhawks.
“Seth is an elite veteran defenseman and a proven leader in our league,” said hockey business president and GM Bill Zait after the contract was official. “He has been one of the most consistent players of the past decade and is a reliable mainstay on both sides of the pack, helping the club continue to compete at the highest level.”
Knight, the first round pick of 2019, has a career with .906 save percentage (starting 70) in 80 games played in 80 games.
