Undrafted Hockey Fan Podcast · Brad Mesclier

TRADE: SETH JONES TO FLORIDA PANTHERS; SPENCER KNIGHT TO CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS; Instant Trade Reaction

March 3, 2025·27 min·2 clips

Seth Jones showed so much disdain towards the Chicago Blackhawks in an interview, sparking this unexpected trade.

This episode of the Undrafted Hockey Fan Podcast analyzes the trade sending defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Florida Panthers. Host Brad provides his immediate reaction to the unexpected mid-season deal. He frames the trade through the lens of Jones's reported dissatisfaction with the Blackhawks organization. Brad states Seth Jones showed "disdain" towards the Blackhawks in a recent interview, which he attributes to the team's poor performance and lengthy rebuild timeline. He notes Jones is 30 years old and wanted to move from a team that may not compete for a playoff spot for several more years. The host argues that even superstar Connor Bedard's presence does not instantly transform the Blackhawks into contenders. Chicago is retaining $2.5 million of Jones's salary annually for the next five years, totaling $12.5 million. In return, the Blackhawks acquire goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round draft pick in 2026. The condition states the pick slides to 2027 if Florida trades its 2026 selection elsewhere. Brad asserts the Florida Panthers are acquiring "the best player" in this transaction in Seth Jones. He implies that at a reduced $7 million cap hit due to salary retention, Jones's contract is closer to his true on-ice value. The host plans to later make a joke regarding the fourth-round draft pick also involved in the trade. An interesting insight is Brad's characterization of Jones's age of 30 as "ancient" in a humorous, self-aware tone. He also offers a blunt assessment that Chicago's numerous offseason acquisitions "has not worked out the way that they thought it would." The conditional nature of the first-round pick adds a layer of future complexity to the deal's evaluation. The episode maintains a conversational and opinionated tone, blending immediate reaction with analytical breakdown. Brad's style is informal, directly addressing the listener as he walks through the trade's financial and team-building implications. Hockey fans seeking instant analysis and strong opinions on a major NHL trade will appreciate this episode. Listeners preferring deeply researched reporting or interviews with insiders might find the solo commentary format less comprehensive.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Undrafted Hockey Fan Podcast