Rebuilding the Blackhawks: A Path Forward
The Chicago Blackhawks’ experiment with Seth Jones has ultimately failed to yield the desired results. Despite initial optimism, it’s clear that Jones hasn’t been the solution to the team’s defensive woes. When the move was first made, the Blackhawks were desperate for defensive talent, and Jones was seen as a potential game-changer. However, it’s become apparent that he’s not the foundational player the team thought he’d be.
A Misguided Approach
Former GM Stan Bowman’s vision for the team was flawed from the start. He mistakenly believed that Jones, along with Alex Debrincat and Kirby Dach, could form a strong core for the future. In reality, these players were always meant to be complementary pieces, not the building blocks of a championship team.
Circumstances Have Changed
Jones’ strong start to the season was largely due to the system implemented by coach Luke Richardson, which masked his weaknesses in transition defense and zone entries. However, with the team’s circumstances having changed, it’s time to reassess Jones’ role. Rumors suggest that the Blackhawks informed Jones last summer that they would try to trade him, but his full no-move clause limits the potential destinations.
A Likely Trade Scenario
If the Blackhawks can find a suitable trade partner, such as the Dallas Stars, they may be able to offload Jones’ $9.5M salary. However, this would likely require the team to absorb a significant portion of his contract, leaving them with $4.75M in dead cap space for the next three years. While not ideal, this wouldn’t be a major hindrance to the team’s future plans.
Looking Ahead
The Blackhawks’ payroll remains relatively low, and their upcoming draft picks won’t command exorbitant salaries. The team’s focus should be on developing their young talent, including Vlasic, Levshunov, Korchinski, and Rinzel. If they’re lucky enough to draft Schaefer first overall this summer, the team’s future prospects will look even brighter. In this scenario, it wouldn’t make sense to keep Jones, who would be earning $9.5M to play limited minutes.
A Youthful Revamp
By the end of the year, the Blackhawks should aim to be the youngest team in the league. This rebuild is about more than just acquiring talent – it’s about building a culture that will sustain the team in the long run. The current culture seems off, and the team needs its young players to take ownership of the locker room. It’s a long and difficult road ahead, but it’s time for the Blackhawks to start making tough decisions, starting with Seth Jones.
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