COLUMBUS — Seth Jones matched a franchise record with four assists on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, continuing a brilliant start that has highlighted his importance to the Florida Panthers since arriving prior to the 2025 trade deadline.
The 32-year-old, a former Blue Jackets defenseman, has taken over Florida's top power-play unit and emerged as the team's best offensive threat from the blue line at 5-on-5 and on the man advantage. In 80 regular-season games since joining the Panthers, Jones has notched 10 goals and 48 points while leading the team with an average of 24:12 of ice time. In 2026-27, he is averaging 25:52, which ranks seventh in the NHL and leads Florida by more than four minutes. "I've played with a lot of great players this year," Jones said after the win. "I try to do my part and be the best player I can be out there – whether it's 5-on-5 or special teams. I'm making some plays to some great players, and they're putting the puck in the net."
While Gustav Forsling deservedly earns praise for his defensive game, Jones has morphed into Florida's No. 1 defenseman, a shift that comes after mixed reactions around the NHL when Florida pulled the trigger on the trade. Jones was a highly touted prospect heading into the 2013 NHL Draft and was stellar early in his career before failing to live up to expectations with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he was heavily scrutinized. Coach Paul Maurice pointed to offseason work as a catalyst for his surge. "He had a great summer of training with Aaron Ekblad," Maurice said. "They spent the entire time here, for the most part, in Florida. They trained hard. He's a fit, fit man. He's a little faster with everything he does and has got a little more confidence." Teammate Brady Tkachuk added, "He's been excellent all year. He's played some big minutes for our team."
Jones has been eating up those minutes and producing. He has one goal and seven points in seven games this season, ranking tied for fifth in points among defensemen, as Florida continues to lean on its top pair to drive offense and control play.