Blackhawks acquire Seth Jones in trade with Blue Jackets

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Blackhawks acquire Seth Jones in trade with Blue Jackets

The Chicago Blackhawks have made a massive splash just before the NHL Draft on Friday, reportedly acquiring defenseman Seth Jones in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The news was first reported by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan just over an hour before the first round of the draft got underway:

Several other reporters confirmed the news, including Mark Lazerus of The Athletic and Chris Johnston of Hockey Night in Canada.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Jones has also agreed to a seven-year contract extension with the Blackhawks, but it is unclear whether that deal will kick in immediately or after his current contract expires at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.

According to Hockey Night in Canada’s Elliotte Friedman, the Blackhawks will give up defenseman Adam Boqvist, along with draft picks, in the trade:

TSN’s Bob McKenzie has reported that the Blackhawks will send the Blue Jackets the 12th overall pick in the draft Friday, and will receive the 32nd overall pick in return as part of the deal.

Jones appeared in 56 games for the Blue Jackets last season, with five goals and 23 assists to his credit. He is preparing to enter the final year of his contract, but had reportedly informed the Blue Jackets that he was not interested in re-signing with the team.

Earlier this month, the Blackhawks made a move that seemed to hint that they were interested in the talented blue liner, acquiring his brother Caleb Jones in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers that sent Duncan Keith to Alberta. The Blackhawks then protected Jones in the expansion draft earlier this week.

We will have more on this trade as it develops.

“Blackhawks Acquire Seth Jones in Trade With Blue Jackets: Reports” originally appeared on NBCChicago.com.

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