(670 The Score) Just hours before the NHL Draft on Friday evening, the Blackhawks were continuing their attempt to make a big splash on the trade market.
Chicago is “trying hard” to acquire Columbus defenseman Seth Jones, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reported. The deal wasn't considered close as of Friday late afternoon, LeBrun added. The Blackhawks have been tied to Jones for weeks in the rumor mill as they look to bolster their blue line.
Jones, 26, is a three-time All-Star. He had 28 points (five goals, 23 assists) in 56 games last season. His best season came in 2017-’18, when he had 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 78 games and finished fourth in the Norris Trophy race.
The Blackhawks recently acquired Jones’ brother, Caleb, in a trade with the Oilers.
The Blackhawks have made forward Kirby Dach and forward Alex DeBrincat off limits in the trade discussions for Jones, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet previously reported. Chicago owns the No. 12 overall pick in the NHL Draft.