SUNRISE, Fla. — The recent addition of Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers might appear straightforward, but the decision was far from easy for the team. The move, which involved sending goalie Spencer Knight to the Chicago Blackhawks, was carefully weighed by the Panthers’ management.
Bill Zito, the general manager and president of hockey operations for the Panthers, described the meticulous process behind the decision to acquire Jones, who still has five years remaining on a lucrative contract. This marked a significant commitment from Florida’s perspective. “This wasn’t something we figured out in a matter of minutes,” Zito explained. “We dedicated a lot of effort into reviewing him through various lenses—from live scouting to understanding his coachability. He consistently met all our criteria.”
Jones, initially selected as the No. 4 pick in the 2013 draft, is set to join the Panthers and will be formally introduced after their morning practice before facing off against the Tampa Bay Lightning. His arrival is expected to solidify Florida’s defensive lineup. Connections with current team members, like his previous stint with Sergei Bobrovsky in Columbus, may ease his transition.
Undeniably, acquiring Jones came with a hefty price tag. The Panthers now shoulder 74% of his $9.5 million annual salary over the next half-decade, while Chicago absorbs the remaining percentage. On the flip side, Knight, considered a promising goalie for the Panthers due to his performance at various levels of the sport, was part of this transaction.
Knight has been vocal about his battle with obsessive compulsive disorder over the past 18 months, a challenge that led him to take a hiatus in 2023. Although he didn’t compete for the Panthers last season, he managed a 12-8-1 record with two shutouts as the backup to Bobrovsky this year. Knight remains highly regarded by the team, making the trade even tougher for management.
“The decision to trade Knight was incredibly challenging on multiple levels,” confessed Zito. “Our respect for Spencer runs deep. He is not only an excellent athlete but a remarkable person. This was tough both personally and professionally.”
As the trade deadline approaches, the Panthers’ agenda remains busy. They’ve placed forward Matthew Tkachuk on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off event, suggesting that his return isn’t imminent.
“We have a hectic week ahead,” remarked Zito. “I’m content with our current roster, but we’re always looking for opportunities to enhance our team if they arise.”
