The Chicago Blackhawks sent defenseman Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers over the weekend for goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick, and suddenly, Blackhawks fans have nothing but praise for general manager Kyle Davidson. Jones seemingly tied Davidson’s hands behind his back, and no one wants to negotiate from a position of weakness. Yet, the young general manager still secured a very nice piece in the 23-year-old goaltender and a first-round pick while giving the fanbase a more optimistic outlook on the future.
A More-Than-Good Haul for Jones
Jones had every right to (essentially) demand a change after venting his frustrations. It’s also every fanbase’s prerogative to say, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” Drama aside, we shouldn’t overlook how Davidson navigated a sticky situation successfully.
Jones’ contract carried a no-trade clause, meaning any proposed trade would need his approval. Furthermore, Jones only wanted to go to the Dallas Stars or Florida Panthers. We have since learned that the Stars were not interested, which means Davidson had one team with which he could make a deal.
That gave Davidson almost no leverage when approaching Panther’s general manager, Bill Zito. Of course, Davidson could have held onto Jones, but no team wants a player—especially one of their best defensemen—begrudgingly lacing them up every night. His attitude, no matter his professionalism, leeches a locker room of spirit. Trading Jones was necessary.
Related: Blackhawks Raise Goaltending Bar With Spencer Knight Addition
Despite these limiting factors, Davidson negotiated a deal that looks like a home run. It’s early, I know, but Knight made a stellar debut on Monday, stopping 41 shots and winning 5-1 against the Los Angeles Kings. Any team attempting to rebuild needs a goalie. Knight could be that player. He’s played four seasons behind future Hall-of-Fame goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Imagine what Knight has learned. Similarly, he has imbibed Florida’s winning culture for years. His attitude, habits, how he carries himself, and his confidence will all be invaluable additions to the Blackhawks culture.
“It doesn’t matter if we’re fucking first place or last, we’re gonna win hockey games”
— CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) March 4, 2025
I’m gonna run through a wall for Spencer Knight ????pic.twitter.com/Zckb9dz6EB
While the first-round pick in 2026 has yet to be selected, it doesn’t hurt to have more assets to draft and develop or trade. For now, let’s put this return in the win column because management will really have to blow this pick for it to be a loss.
Davidson brought in a potential franchise goalie and first-round pick while losing a 30-year-old defenseman who didn’t want to be in Chicago. Oh, and he did all that with only the Panthers to negotiate with. Yes, that is what you call a good deal.
Are the Blackhawks Optimistic Now?
Davidson appears to have changed the entire aura surrounding the Blackhawks in one fell swoop. He not only successfully dealt a disgruntled player, but he also brought in a goaltender who makes contention look much more attainable. You have to give him credit, given the cards he was dealt in this situation.
This brings us to my final question: Is this what optimism feels like? It’s been a horrendous season for the Blackhawks, and it’s taking a toll on the fanbase. Many of us who cover the Blackhawks were lamenting how aimless the rebuild felt last week. But maybe that’s all it was—a feeling. The organization has young talent in the NHL and in the pipeline. They have a general manager who is proving he can thrive under enormous pressure. Maybe, just maybe, we do need to practice a tad more patience.
(Give it another week, and I’m sure we will all be up in arms about something else Davidson did or didn’t do. Gosh, I love hockey.)
