Hawks fight to keep DeBrincat and Dach away from Seth Jones trade!

The Chicago Blackhawks are taking another run at acquiring defenseman Seth Jones from the Columbus Blue Jackets, according to insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Jones is a bonafide top-pairing defenseman and when he revealed he would test free agency waters next summer and not re-sign with the Jackets, we knew a trade was coming. 

The Jackets have been looking to pull the trigger on a deal this summer, however contenders entering the Jones sweepstakes want to make sure that the blue liner will re-sign with them. We’ve recently heard that the Philadelphia Flyers were in the mix, however, word is that Jones isn’t looking to stay long-term in Philly. The Hawks got Jones’ attention last week when they completed a trade that shipped veteran defenseman Duncan Keith to Edmonton, and in the return package, the Oilers sent back defenseman Caleb Jones. 

You get it now : Caleb is Seth’s younger brother. 

The Blackhawks are now rumoured to be frontrunners in these Jones sweepstakes as the blue liner might already inform them he will re-sign in Chicago following a trade. They need to pursue a prominent right-shot defenseman, and Seth might be thrilled to join his brother in Chicago. He has just one year remaining on his deal at $5.4 million.

However, Friedman reports that the Hawks need to work harder at not parting with Alex DeBrincat or Kirby Dach in return for Jones. The Blue Jackets discussed both DeBrincat and Dach in trade negotiations it sounds, but it wasn’t something the Blackhawks wished to do.

Chicago is scheduled to select 12th in the first round : could the pick get offered interest? 

A lot could happen tonight when it comes to this Seth Jones situation as we also need to see who and if anyone else enters the chat here.