Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets
Red Wings Exploring Blue Line Upgrade Ahead of Trade Deadline
As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 7, the Detroit Red Wings could be looking to bolster their defensive unit. A proposed trade scenario, generated by a user on PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, suggests Detroit could make a blockbuster move to acquire Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones.
Proposed Trade:
Red Wings Receive:
- Seth Jones
Blackhawks Receive:
- Justin Holl
- Michael Rasmussen
- 2025 second-round pick
The deal would see Detroit acquiring Jones without any salary retention, giving them a veteran presence on the blue line. Jones, currently in the third year of his eight-year, $76 million contract, is a five-time NHL All-Star and would slot into the Red Wings’ top defensive pair. He has registered 26 points (6 goals, 20 assists) in 38 games this season, offering an offensive boost from the back end.
Chicago’s Perspective
For the Blackhawks, the primary appeal of the trade would be shedding Jones’ long-term contract. In return, they would receive Holl, who has struggled to solidify his role in Detroit since signing a three-year, $10.2 million deal. They would also acquire Rasmussen, a 2017 first-round pick, who has posted 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists) in 54 games this season. Additionally, a 2025 second-round pick would further aid Chicago’s rebuilding efforts.
Jones Open to a Move
Jones, acquired by Chicago in 2021 from the Columbus Blue Jackets, has not formally requested a trade but has expressed a willingness to move to a contender. Speaking with the Chicago Sun-Times, Jones acknowledged the business aspect of a potential deal.
“We all know the whole story and what happened when I got here,” Jones said. “I would like to give myself a chance to win in my career. I know that the money is not an easy thing to move, and that’s what we’re figuring out. If it happens, it happens.”
With a full no-movement clause, Jones ultimately controls his fate. However, if no trade materializes, he remains committed to helping Chicago improve.
Red Wings on the Rise
Detroit has been surging since Christmas and currently holds a playoff spot. The team’s chemistry has been a key factor, with veteran forward Andrew Copp emphasizing the squad’s growing unity.
“We talked a little bit about identity again today and all the parts of the actual hockey game, but something that we talked about at the end was our togetherness, resiliency, and the team that we have, in terms of handling adversity but sticking together,” Copp said. “That has really improved since Christmas. Obviously, winning helps with that, but I feel like we’re really gelling as a team.”
Detroit returns to action on February 22 against the Minnesota Wild, with their focus on maintaining momentum as the trade deadline looms.
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