Chicago Blackhawks’ Seth Jones could return against Dallas Stars on Saturday

The veteran defenseman has tallied 11 points in 27 games this year and has taken on a new role within a young Blackhawks core. He has 60 shots on net, leading Blackhawks defenders but hasn’t found the scoresheet yet.

The Arlington, Texas product is in the second year of an eight-year, $76 million contract he signed with the Blackhawks that will keep him on the team through the 2029-30 season. The contract holds an average annual value (AAV) of $9,500,000. Last season, he put up 12 goals and 37 points, ultimately finishing tied for second on the team in scoring among players who spent the entire season there. Jones is coming off his second-best offensive season in 2021-22, with five goals, 46 assists, and 51 points in 78 games in his first season in Chicago. However, he’s struggled defensively since he was dealt to Chicago in the summer of 2021, with a 47.1% shot attempt share and 46.54% expected goal share at even strength with his new team.

It is good news for the Blackhawks to get Jones back into their lineup as they deal with a slew of injuries which now includes franchise forward Connor Bedard being sidelined for six to eight weeks with a fractured jaw. The Hawks still remain without Nick Foligno, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Johnson and Taylor Hall.

Chicago sits dead last in the Central Division with a 12-28-2 record and a .310 points percentage.