The Florida Panthers made a splash at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline by acquiring defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks in a deal that looked straightforward at the time-but nearly a year later, new details are adding layers to the trade’s long-term impact.
In exchange for Jones, the Blackhawks received goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional 2026 first-round pick. The original understanding was that if Florida dealt away their 2026 first-rounder before the draft, the pick owed to Chicago would slide to 2027.
But on Friday, a new wrinkle came to light: that pick is also protected if it lands in the top 10. That’s a significant detail, confirmed by multiple sources, including Chicago’s own front office, who’ve reportedly been aware of the protection since the deal was made.
Why does that matter? Because it directly affects the Blackhawks’ chances of doubling up on premium picks in what’s expected to be a deep 2026 draft class.
As of now, Chicago owns the sixth-worst points percentage in the league, while Florida sits 10th-worst. Had both picks conveyed without protection, the Blackhawks could have found themselves with two lottery tickets in a stacked draft year-an enviable position for any rebuilding franchise.
Instead, they’ll have to wait and see where Florida finishes. If the Panthers’ pick lands inside the top 10, it stays with them, and Chicago will have to wait until 2027 to collect.
That’s a tough break, especially considering Florida’s recent struggles. The defending back-to-back Stanley Cup champions have hit a rough patch, going 4-6-0 in their last 10 games heading into the Olympic break.
If that slide continues, the Panthers could miss the postseason entirely-putting that protected pick right on the bubble.
Even so, the long-term outlook in Chicago remains steady. While missing out on a second top-10 pick would sting, it’s not a backbreaker.
There’s a growing consensus among draft experts that the 2026 class has enough depth that top-10 talent might still be available into the teens. And the 2027 class?
It’s already drawing buzz as another potential goldmine.
The Blackhawks have spent the better part of the last decade methodically rebuilding their pipeline, and the results are starting to show. With blue-chip prospects like Anton Frondell and Vaclav Nestrasil Jr. already in the fold from the 2025 draft, Chicago’s front office is shifting gears-from talent accumulation to talent promotion. The focus now is on integrating those young players into the NHL roster and surrounding them with the right mix of experience.
That shift in philosophy could lead to some interesting decisions in the coming months. With a deep pool of prospects already in place, the Blackhawks might look to flip some of their draft capital for veteran reinforcements-players who can help stabilize the locker room and support the development of their rising stars. It’s a strategy that’s been floated by insiders and could gain traction if the team feels it’s close to turning the corner.
For now, though, it’s all about positioning. Chicago is still in the mix for a top pick in 2026, regardless of what happens with Florida’s selection. And with a scouting department that’s been on point in recent years, the Blackhawks will be looking to add another high-upside name to their growing list of future contributors.
The Seth Jones trade may not yield the double-dip in the top 10 that Chicago fans were dreaming about, but it’s still a deal with long-term value. And as the draft picture becomes clearer, the Blackhawks will be ready-whether that means picking early, picking often, or making a move to accelerate the next phase of their rebuild.