Photo credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
A trade completed between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Florida Panthers could take an unexpected twist after the Olympic final.
When Kyle Davidson moved Seth Jones to Florida last March, the deal felt like a clean break for a rebuilding franchise.
Chicago landed Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick in the deal, but the current state of the Panthers has changed the math entirely. After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, Florida struggled this season.
The Panthers currently sit last in the Atlantic Division with 61 points and a dismal -17 goal differential. Short offseasons and a mountain of injuries have finally caught up to the champs, and the Olympic break only added fuel to the fire.
Reports out of the winter games suggest both Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand are nursing significant injuries. If those stars are sidelined for the stretch run, Florida may even consider selling at the deadline.
Injuries to Panthers Olympians could hurt the Blackhawks
Of course, that’s not what the Hawks management wants to see. The 2026 first-round pick acquired in the Spencer Knight trade is top-ten protected. If Florida remains in the basement and lands a top-ten pick, the Hawks will have to wait another year before getting the return for Seth Jones.
If Florida finishes in the bottom ten, the pick slides to 2027. While an unprotected 2027 pick from a fading dynasty is a massive asset, it delays the influx of elite talent that Connor Bedard needs right now.It’s also safe to say the Panthers aren’t fading away, as they’re expected to come back strong next year, with Aleksander Barkov and all their star players healthy once again.
On the other hand, the Blackhawks have great odds of finishing in the bottom-10 for the lottery with their own pick, which opens another door for the organization: trade a pick or two to fulfill immediate needs.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
POLL
8 HOURS AGO|62 ANSWERS
Trade completed between the Blackhawks and Panthers turns sour after Olympic final
Do you think the Florida Panthers will bounce back and make the playoffs this season?