Blackhawks Player Grades: Seth Jones

Seth Jones' 2023-24 season was plagued by some injuries as he suited up for 67 games. Jones managed 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists) with backloaded production. Although his numbers weren't great, Jones was producing on a Blackhawks team that was deprived of offense.

Jones deserves some respect on his name. He was on a 39-point pace had he played a full season. Furthermore, he helped carry the offense down the stretch. In the final 20 games of the season, Jones posted seven goals and six assists. Expected to be a shooter from the blue line, Jones really delivered in the latter part of the season and could build off of that number in the 2024-25 campaign.

Jones' production was certainly affected by the Blackhawks' lack of team offense and the ask for him to excel on both ends of the ice. Entering the 2024-25 season, more talent and defensively focused players on the blue line should give Jons more offensive opportunities.

Player Grades

Jonnie Nonnie's Grade: B+

Seth Jones receives far too much backlash for a capable No. 1 defenseman. Yes, everybody knows he carries a large salary cap hit. Jones remained mostly steady on the back end and chipped in 31 points all while eating the most minutes per game of any Blackhawks skater. In doing so, he helped Alex Vlasic flourish into a shutdown blue-liner, which is a major boost to the organization. In fact, I enjoyed Jones' contributions so much that he'd get an A from me if not for an early-season IR stint that cost him several games.

Tony Marchese's Grade: B+

There's been a lot of talk from both of my Four Feathers cohosts this season about respecting Seth Jones' game. There's a good reason for that. If you separate the albatross of a contract from the body of work in the 2023-24 season, you'll find yourself talking about a top-pair defenseman on just about every NHL team, one who can log over 25 minutes a night and put up 30-plus points a season. A little more physicality from Jones would be nice to see, but overall he's almost exactly the type of defenseman that Blackhawks fans were crying for the organization to add to the team a few years ago. A solid B+ effort from one of this team's veteran leaders.

Ron Luce's Grade: B+

Respect Seth Jones. A train that I will be your conductor for entering the 2024-25 season, Jones needs to be appreciated. He is absolutely a No. 1 defenseman, has plenty of offensive upside, and is becoming a leader on this team. In a season with a much better supporting cast around the few franchise faces, Jones should improve on his numbers from 2023-24. If he does, Ron Luce may become unbearable. Thanks to an early injury, he also is a tick below an A for me and gets a B+.

What's On Tap Next?

Jones is one of the surefire players on the roster for years to come. Once again repping alternate captain status, Jones will be expected to contribute offensively, log big minutes, and be a true No. 1 defenseman for the Hawks. While Jones remains in his prime, he will surely be able to deliver on those asks. Perhaps a far better statistical season is in store for the veteran. 

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Seth Jones? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!