Panthers' 2026 First-Round Pick in Seth Jones Trade Revealed as Top-10 Protected

New details have emerged regarding the 2026 first-round pick that the Florida Panthers sent to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the trade for defenseman Seth Jones. According to insider Frank Seravalli, the pick is top-10 protected. This means if the Panthers' 2026 first-round selection falls within the top 10, they will retain it, and their 2027 first-round pick will instead go to Chicago. This could trigger a domino effect, potentially sending Florida's 2028 first-round pick to the Boston Bruins.