Major development surfaces on the New York Rangers acquiring a top defenseman from the Blackhawks
Photo credit: NHL.com
According to NHL Insider Darren Dreger multiple NHL teams are inquiring about the availability of defenseman Seth Jones, creating speculation that the New York Rangers just may be one of those teams interested.
The New York Rangers could benefit from adding someone like the Blackhawks top defenseman.
While he's no longer in his prime, he could slot in on the second-pairing and give the team some needed flexibility on the blue line.
In 29 games this season, Jones has scored 16 points( 3 G, 13 A) and has sat out multiple games due to his foot injury.
He has roles on the Blackhawks' special teams, which involve more than just the power play, including the second penalty kill unit.
Not only would he help flesh out the Rangers blue line, but he has playoff experience and could give the Rangers more depth on special teams too.
The only obstacle that GM Chris Drury would have to consider when it comes to Seth Jones is his no-movement clause.
Plus his $9.5 Million cap hit, something GM Stan Bowman hurried signed him to as soon as he arrived in Chicago.
Chicago's trade to acquire Jones was a bit of a headscratcher when it was made back in July 2021. The Blackhawks were mired in mediocrity at the time and gave up a package that included defenseman Adam Boqvist, the 12th and 44th overall picks in 2021, and a 2022 first-round pick that eventually turned into the sixth overall pick.
It is possible that GM Kyle Davidson and Chris Drury may have to look for a third team to retain some salary to make the deal work.
But, if the Rangers could give themselves more options for defense in the long stretch of the season from now until March, it wouldn't be a bad idea considering they still have playoff hopes.
Jones has a hard-nosed style of play fans would love, and offers an offensive upside as well.
In 245 games with the Chicago Blackhawks, he's scored 134 points (26 G, 128 A) and has scored 3 points in the last 5 games this season.
As right-handed defensemen in the NHL come with a premium tag attached to them, the Rangers will have to consider all of their options.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 19 | 750 ANSWERS Major development surfaces on the New York Rangers acquiring a top defenseman from the Blackhawks Do you think the Rangers should try to acquire Seth Jones from the Blackhawks? | ||
| Yes | 327 | 43.6 % |
| No | 423 | 56.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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