It has been learned that the Florida Panthers are protected from a lost season if the pick they traded to the Chicago Blackhawks becomes a top ten selection. As part of the Seth Jones trade, the Florida Panthers moved their 2026 first-round pick. But, reports Frank Seravallithe top 10 pick is protected. According to sources close to the team, Florida made sure to protect itself.
The trade, executed before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, saw the Blackhawks send defenseman Seth Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick to Florida in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight and the 2026 first-round pick. At the time, the deal was widely seen as a cap relief for Chicago, while providing the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions with an experienced puck-moving blueliner.
Related: Analyst surprised that Team Canada continues to pass on Zach Hyman
The choice was previously reported as conditional, with a push to 2027 if Florida were not the first to own its own shares, but the top-10 protection clause was only made public now – 342 days after the transaction. Seravalli notes: “That means that if the Panthers are determined to be selected in the Top 10 after the Draft Lottery, they will retain their 2026 pick – and can even choose to trade it elsewhere if they wish.”
Currently, the struggling Panthers are projected toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, with their pick ranked around 10th worst in the Olympic break (according to Tankathon and league sources). If Florida ends up with one of the top-10 lottery odds, they can elect to keep their 2026 selection, and Chicago will instead receive the Panthers’ unprotected 2027 first-round pick.
It is believed the Blackhawks were aware of this situation, but fans and analysts have been caught off guard. An unprotected or lightly protected high pick was seen as a potential lottery boon for Chicago’s rebuilding. Now the Blackhawks may not be able to take advantage of Florida’s freefall.
The Blackhawks may have to shift their focus to the 2027 draft.
Next: Oilers Slump puts Kris Knoblauch on the hot seat as the pressure mounts
#Major #detail #Seth #Jones #Panthers #trade #public #year