Report: Seth Jones informs Blue Jackets he intends to test free agency

The hits just keep coming for the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

After losing numerous star players via free agency and trades, the Blue Jackets were hoping to lock up defenseman Seth Jones to a long-term contract extension. 

However, Jones has reportedly informed the team that he'll be testing free agency. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Jones told the Blue Jackets "that he will not be re-signing."

The Athletic's Aaron Portzline reports that the Blue Jackets are now likely to trade Jones this summer, most likely near the NHL Draft in July. He adds that Columbus will get a massive trade return for Jones, who is one of the NHL's best defensemen. 

The Nashville Predators selected Jones fourth overall in the 2013 draft. He was later traded to the Blue Jackets during the 2015-16 season. 

In six seasons with Columbus, the 26-year-old has tallied 50 goals and 173 assists, adding five goals and 19 assists in 37 playoff games. 

The Blue Jackets have lost several star players in recent years, including Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, Matt Duchene, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Josh Anderson, among others. 

Columbus' lack of success in the postseason is likely part of the reason why some of those players decided to leave. Players want to win more than anything, and the Blue Jackets have been on a downward spiral for a few seasons now.