The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired star defenceman Seth Jones from the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team confirmed Friday night.
Jones heads to Chicago along with Columbus’ final first-round pick of Friday’s draft (pick No. 32, originally belonging to Tampa Bay) and a 2022 sixth-round pick. In exchange for the star defenceman, Columbus receives defenceman Adam Boqvist, Chicago’s 12th overall draft pick in Friday’s draft, a 2021 second-round pick (44th overall), and Chicago’s 2022 first-rounder.
Chicago has immediately invested in their newest blueliner, too, agreeing to an eight-year contract extension that Jones can sign on July 28.
According to Friedman, Jones’ new deal will carry a $9.5-million cap hit — a significant raise from the $5.4-million AAV on his current six-year pact, which is set to expire at the end of next season. Between his current deal and the soon-to-be-signed one, Jones will be under contract for the next nine years, which takes him through 2029-30.
Jones was set to become an unrestricted free agent after next season. Back in the spring, the 26-year-old informed Blue Jackets brass that he did not plan on signing an extension with Columbus this off-season, wanting instead to explore the market upon the expiration of his deal. The open lines of communication allowed the Blue Jackets several options in terms of how to proceed with possible trade talks.
The trade to Chicago also reunited Jones with his younger brother, fellow rearguard Caleb Jones. Earlier this month, the Blackhawks acquired the younger Jones in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers that saw longtime franchise cornerstone Duncan Keith Alberta-bound.