The Blackhawks would be an instant contender with Seth Jones

Seth Jones might not have the best analytics when it comes to defenseman, but the Chicago Blackhawks would still be wise to try and add him to their lineup.

One thing all Chicago Blackhawks fans can agree on right now is that this team is missing a number one defenseman. Seth Jones would be that guy for the Hawks. Jones is currently playing with a modified no-movement clause at a cap hit of 5.4 million.

His deal will expire at the end of next season, so should Columbus be willing to trade their start defenseman for a solid centerman in Dylan Strome and maybe some picks and prospects, the Hawks would get the help they need defensively speaking.

I believe the only way the Hawks add Jones to their team is if they can find a way to trade for him. If Jones is willing to be moved to Chicago and he plays for year here he would be pretty wise to re-sign. He might be able to get a few larger contracts elsewhere but playing with the Blackhawks for seven or eight million assuming the team can move the Seabrook contract, would be a great move for the former fourth overall pick.

If the Blackhawks want to speed up their rebuild, a deal involving Jones is the only way to get things done. This team needs to add some outside talent through free agency, and not just the fringe players that can make a difference depth-wise. They do not need to add more Mattias Janmark styled players, they need guys like Jones that can be elite players and difference makers.

Chicago has a number of defensemen within their organization, but they do not have any guys that can be true number ones. Jones would be that for the Hawks. This team’s biggest weakness is their defense, adding Jones to the mix would help change that and put them one step closer to being contenders.

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While adding Seth Jones might come at a cost, I believe he is worth it. His analytics might not be perfect but this season he was a beast every time the Hawks played him, and even going back further he is a defenseman that can put his entire team on his back.