This time, Zito pulled off another major deal, trading 2019 first-round pick and backup goalie Spencer Knight, along with a future first-round selection in 2026 or 2027, to acquire Jones from the Blackhawks. Once again, the Panthers managed to add a high-caliber player without disrupting their core lineup.

Florida got Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick from Chicago for goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick in next year’s draft.

Seth Jones made his debut for the Panthers after he was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday for goalie Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The defenseman had three shots on goal in 22:56 of ice time, including 4:08 on the penalty kill.

Aleksander Barkov scored twice in the second period, Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 28 shots, and the Florida Panthers beat their in-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on Monday night.

Before Jones even stepped onto the ice Monday night, Panthers fans showed their excitement, greeting the five-time All-Star with loud applause and a warm ovation when he was introduced in the starting lineup at Florida’s Amerant Bank Arena.

Ryan McDonagh had intercepted a pass from Aleksander Barkov and was making his way uncontested toward the Florida Panthers’ net. His breakaway opportunity while the Panthers were on the power play gave the Tampa Bay Lightning a chance to tie the score late in the third period.

Seth Jones was traded to the Florida Panthers by the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday for goalie Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Florida also received a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft.

The Panthers placed Tkachuk on long-term injured reserve on Sunday in order to recall goaltender Chris Driedger. The move takes his $9.5 million cap hit off the books as long as he is on LTIR. He must stay there for a minimum of 10 games and 24 days. Monday will mark his fifth game missed.

Captain Aleksander Barkov scored both Panthers’ goals on Monday’s victory against the Lightning, extending the team’s win streak to four games.

The Panthers sent goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional 2026 first-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

The Florida Panthers, the defending Stanley Cup champions, bolstered their defense on Saturday night by acquiring Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks.