Seth Jones' bumpy season which is now in Florida with the former cup-winning Panthers just got a whole lot more interesting following the NHL's suspension of his teammate Aaron Ekblad, who will be out of play for 20-games
Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson pulled off the unthinkable in a trade with the Florida Panthers on March 1, which saw $9.5 million defenseman Seth Jones heading out the door.
In return, the Blackhawks acquired Spencer Knight, who has taken on a new number-one role with his fresh organization, and so has Seth Jones?
Aaron Ekblad's lengthy suspension leads to promotion for Seth Jones
Following a recent statement by the NHL, it was revealed that Jones' teammate, Aaron Ekblad, has been suspended for 20-games after violating the terms of NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Program.
Ekblad was allegedly using performance enhancing drugs while recovering from an injury, and it's not left a major gap in the Panthers' blueline.
Due to Ekblad's long-term departure, Jones has been promoted to the first-line powerplay united and first defensive pair, per report.
"Due to the recent 20-game suspension to Florida Panthers' defenseman Aaron Ekblad for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, the team needed a new first-line powerplay quarterback and top-pairing defenseman. As expected, that distinction will go to newly acquired defenseman Seth Jones."
Since this recent promotion, Jones has earned his first point throughout his first four games with the Panthers.
While the Blackhawks are sure loving goaltender Spencer Knight, it seems the Panthers are enjoying the presence of Jones through the loss of defenseman Aaron Ekblad.