Blackhawks acquire Seth Jones from Blue Jackets in draft-day blockbuster

The Blackhawks’ pursuit of a No. 1 defenseman has reportedly culminated Friday with the acquisition their No. 1 pursuit: Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones.

In a draft-day blockbuster, the Hawks acquired the 26-year-old Texan and signed him to an eight-year contract extension, per multiple reports. The trade and contract make Jones the centerpiece of the team’s defense in the post-Duncan Keith era.

To make it happen, however, Hawks general manager Stan Bowman surrendered a valuable package of assets: 20-year-old defenseman Adam Boqvist, the man heralded for the past two years as the Hawks’ top defenseman-in-grooming, along with the 12th overall pick in Friday’s NHL draft and other pieces yet to be disclosed.

Bowman also committed a massive chunk of the Hawks’ future cap space to fit Jones, reducing the Hawks’ financial flexibility not only now — when they have a relatively decent amount to work with — but years down the line, when the situation could be far different.

It’s a gamble that may define Bowman’s post-Stanley Cup-era tenure as GM and may determine whether or not the Hawks return to contention in the next decade.

Jones has established himself as one of the most well-known defenseman in the league over his eight seasons and counting, averaging more than 25 minutes per game each of the last three in Columbus.

But his results took a downward turn last season, both in terms of points — he tallied 28 in 56 games — and especially in his underlying numbers.

This story will be updated.