According to Frank Seravalli, the Florida Panthers first-round pick that the Chicago Blackhawks acquired with Spencer Knight is top-10 protected.

Holy airball. Let me start off by saying I am not mad at Frank Seravalli here. Rather, I’m upset with the ENTIRE insider community and the lack of reporting on a fairly significant aspect of the Seth Jones trade from last season. According to Seravalli, the Florida Panthers’ first-round pick is top-10 protected, something not originally reported at the time of the deal.

Historically, the NHL insiders are incredible at ensuring this type of information is disclosed at the time of the deal. However, two fanbases are effectively learning the nature of the condition over one year AFTER the trade originally happened.

Frankly, the trade was a win-win for both sides. The Panthers got a great right-handed, puck-moving defenseman in Jones to help them secure a second straight Stanley Cup victory. As for the Chicago Blackhawks, they received a first-round pick and goalie-of-the-future Spencer Knight. The trade is not something that upset a lot of people. However, this is INSANE that nothing was reported on the condition beforehand.

Why the Fuss?

The original post, below, is what ignited the confusion. Seravalli listed the draft order as of today, and noted the top-10 protection on the Florida pick. Naturally, Hawks fans took to their phones asking for clarification, as this was not a known element of the deal to anyone in the fanbase.

Story continues below.

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Now, the Blackhawks either get a 2027 pick, or, the 11th pick this season is the best-case scenario. Unfortunately, the Hawks cannot pick twice in the top-10 this season due to this clause. Without a single doubt, the thought process of fans has quickly changed regarding this upcoming draft. A solid tank is likely the desire for Hawks fans, and a Panthers late-season push for the playoffs is the other desired outcome.

The old saying, “it is what it is”, perfectly defines this situation. There is nothing anyone can do about it, but learning this information a year after the original transaction occurred feels like bad communication from the NHL and its insiders.