Seth Jones made a big move from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Florida Panthers in March 2025, and it really changed the direction of his career. So, there was this trade where Jones and a fourth-round pick in 2026 went to Florida, and in return, they got goaltender Spencer Knight along with a conditional first-round pick in 2026. It seems like a smart move for both teams involved. Chicago is in a rebuilding phase and got a promising young goaltender along with a future draft asset.

Meanwhile, Florida strengthened its defensive lineup by bringing in an experienced player. The Blackhawks decided to keep $2.5 million of Jones’ yearly $9.5 million salary until 2030, which helps the Panthers handle the cap hit a bit better. While he was with the Blackhawks, Jones played in 259 regular-season games and racked up 146 points, which included 32 goals and 114 assists. Even though he played really well on his own, the team’s overall issues held him back from having a shot at postseason success.

When he joined the Panthers, Jones shared his excitement about the new chance, saying, “I’m extremely happy that I’ve gotten this opportunity and that this franchise and this group believed in me. I wasn’t playing probably the greatest hockey in Chicago, but I’m glad I came here and have the supporting group around me. Just trying to keep it simple and play defense first. I think I’m in a pretty good spot.” Now, coming to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Jones has been a pivotal figure for the Panthers.

In 14 games, he’s managed to score three goals and provide three assists, making some key contributions when it really mattered. In Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jones kicked things off with the first goal and also grabbed an assist, helping Florida secure a solid 6-1 win that sent them to the Eastern Conference Finals. Jones has fit right in with the Panthers, but he recently shared some honest thoughts about his old team, the Chicago Blackhawks.

According to a report on ESPN, The defenseman said, “It was just the timeline with that organization. It’s nothing against them. I think they’re going to be very successful in the future. They just wanted to build from the ground up. Nothing wrong with that.” After four years with the Blackhawks, which were quite the ride during a tough rebuilding phase, Jones realized that his personal goals and the team’s future plans just weren’t on the same page.

It was an unfortunate situation for the player and the franchise involved. He recognized that the organization was all about developing talent and planning for future success, but he was really looking for that immediate edge and a shot at the championship. He made it clear that he doesn’t hold any personal grudge against the NHL franchise, and he still believes that the Hawks will find success in the future. So, how are the Panthers gearing up for their second shot at the Stanley Cup?

The Florida Panthers are charging ahead

The Florida Panthers kicked off their postseason by taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning and came out on top with a solid 4-1 series win. Florida kicked things off strong with a solid 6-2 victory in Game 1 and kept the good vibes going with a 2-0 shutout in Game 2. After a tough loss in Game 3, they bounced back with strong wins in Games 4 and 5, really showing off their offensive skills and solid defense.

The Panthers had a tough seven-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. So, after losing the first two games, Florida really turned things around and won Games 3 through 5. They even pulled off a thrilling 5-4 overtime win in Game 3 and followed it up with a solid 2-0 shutout in Game 4. Even though they dropped Game 6, the Panthers really came back strong in Game 7, winning 6-1 thanks to great plays from Brad Marchand, Eetu Luostarinen, and Seth Jones. The Panthers are currently up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.

They kicked things off with a solid 5-2 win in Game 1 and then really brought it home with a 5-0 shutout in Game 2, showing off their strong offense and solid defense. Even though they lost forward Sam Reinhart to a lower-body injury in Game 2, Florida’s depth has helped them keep up their strong performance. Besides the powerful offense, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has really been a key part of Florida’s defense, racking up several shutouts and showing a solid presence in net. The Panthers are on quite the postseason journey! With their mix of seasoned leaders, solid depth, and well-rounded play, they’re looking like serious contenders for another Stanley Cup title.