The Chicago Blackhawks were working on acquiring Seth Jones from Columbus this offseason, and they finally made it happen.
The Blackhawks acquired Jones in a trade with the Blue Jackets on Friday. As part of the deal, Chicago is giving Jones a 7-year deal worth $9.5 million per season, according to Elliotte Friedman.
Jones was entering the final season of his current contract and indicated he would not sign with Columbus long-term. Rather than lose him for nothing, the Blue Jackets began receiving trade inquiries. The Philadelphia Flyers were among the teams working on a possible trade for the defenseman, but Chicago landed him.
The Blackhawks had been looking to upgrade their defenseman, which explains the move. They will pair the 26-year-old with his younger brother, Caleb, who was acquired in a deal with Edmonton.
Jones had five goals and 28 points in 56 games last season, while averaging 25:14 minutes per contest.
