Seth Jones Trade Pick Drama: Panthers' 2026 First-Rounder is Top-Ten Protected

New details confirm the 2026 first-round pick the Chicago Blackhawks received from the Florida Panthers in the Seth Jones trade is top-ten protected, meaning Florida retains it if they finish in the top ten, sliding it to 2027 (and their 2027 pick to 2028). Despite the Panthers' current 10th-worst record due to injuries, this news doesn't diminish the trade for Chicago. They acquired Spencer Knight, a potential decade-long number one goalie, for a disgruntled Jones, making the first-round pick a bonus.