Updated: Mar 22
As the NHL trade deadline looms, the Blackhawks Seth Jones has been one of the more frequently named individuals regarding the trade deadline, and could possibly see himself in a different coloured jersey come March 7th, one team in conversation being the Dallas Stars.
After suffering a knee injury due to a hit from Mark Stone on January 28th against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Dallas Stars franchise defenseman Miro Heiskanen was left in need of knee surgery, putting an end to his 4 nations campaign and possibly an end to his season as a whole. On Wednesday it was announced Heiskanen would be out until at least the second round of the playoffs had the Stars make it, leaving an empty spot on the teams top defensive pairing.
It was announced today that the Finnish defenseman will be placed on the LTIR and confirmed his season was over, joining fellow defenseman Nils Lundkvist on the injury reserve list, leaving Thomas Harley as the top D-Man on the Stars. But what exactly does this mean for the Stars, and how could they capitalise on the situation?
Teams being over the cap limit during the playoffs is often a common occurrence in today's NHL, most famously the Lightning and the Golden Knights capitalising on the LTIR loophole, being almost over a quarter of the cap limit. But could it be time for the Stars to execute their right to exploit the loophole?
In recent days the Blackhawks Seth Jones outlined his desire to play for a playoff team, and give himself an opportunity to win before his career is over. Jones currently has one of the worst contracts in the NHL after Chicago signed him to a 8 year, $76 million deal in 2022, making him one of the highest paid defenseman in the league, but as the years have gone by it hasn't shown to be a good movie in the slightest. But following Jones’ rant after a terrible 2-1 loss to Utah, Jones is one of the more definite players to be moved before the deadline, the Stars being a prime candidate.
With Heiskanen’s $8.45 million cap hit being void after hitting the long term injury reserve list, the stars have more than enough space to make a move for Seth Jones, and add him to their roster to strengthen the defense, and give some more hope to the Stars. Jones hasn't had the best of seasons so far this year but had he been surrounded with players more his speed on the Stars it could be the perfect move to rediscover his form, and become an elite level defenseman once again. Had the Stars acquire Jones in a trade, they also would hypothetically have enough cap space to keep him on the team next year, but had they manage to waive his no trade clause, it could be a great short term move for both parties.
With Jones and the Blackhawks coming to a mutual agreement to seek a trade, it's likely it won't cost the Stars a premium and could easily pick him up for a third round pick, or maybe a second depending on how pushy Chicago may be. As the Stars are in ‘win now’ mode, having to give up a mid level prospect or a third liner also may not be a major issue for the Stars, as the return could benefit them massively. Making the move for Jones is definitely a low risk high reward situation, as he is a proven player in the league, and definitely has the ability to play at the highest level, and would 100% be a great landing spot for an eager Seth Jones.
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