Seth Jones was candid during the preseason, expressing that he was “frustrated,” which was an understatement. The Blackhawks had a disappointing preseason, and when the alternate captain was asked about the roster changes and the recurring issues that led to past losses, he simply replied, “Yes,” following a heavy 6-1 defeat to the Minnesota Wild.
Two weeks later, things have changed. The team is competing more effectively, and Jones has been instrumental in this improvement. As he enters his fourth season with the Blackhawks, he is enjoying the best start to a season in his career with the team, boasting six points in six games—ranking him third on the team behind Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen. He also leads the team in shots (21) and ice time (25:43 minutes).
What stands out about these statistics is that they rank Jones among the top NHL defensemen, placing him sixth in points so far this season. While it’s early to predict whether he’ll maintain this point-per-game pace, what’s impressive about this start is that in prior seasons, his point totals for the first six games were consistently three or four. This year, however, it’s notable how he is playing beyond just the points.
His confidence is evident; he is actively shooting, blocking shots, and stopping plays, like his impressive defense against San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith on October 17, preventing a prime scoring opportunity. In addition to his overall contributions, he has also made an impact on the power play with three power-play points, showing that he and his teammates are eager to capitalize on those opportunities.
Throughout his time with the Blackhawks, Jones has voiced his frustrations about wanting to elevate his performance. Before the season, he indicated goals like improving his shot and adjusting his stick flex. Since joining in 2021, he has been the team’s top defenseman, though his journey has had its challenges. Yet, there seems to be a noticeable difference this time. Perhaps it’s the chemistry he’s developed with Alec Martinez and Alex Vlasic, or perhaps his preseason frustrations have fueled a positive turnaround, or maybe he’s simply enjoying the game more.
Jones has been expected to fulfill multiple roles on the team, which is reflected in his contract. He anchors special teams and contributes on both offense and defense while logging significant ice time, but previously, his performances often appeared episodic rather than holistic. Now, however, he looks more well-rounded than ever.
Currently, the Blackhawks hold a 2-3-1 record, with their power play and penalty kill both ranking sixth in the league. If they aim to improve their results further, Jones will undoubtedly be crucial to that effort.
While it’s premature to draw definitive conclusions from just six games, it seems Jones is on track for a significant season, and based on his performance thus far, there may still be more to come from him and the Blackhawks as the season progresses.
