Ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, the Chicago Blackhawks traded Seth Jones and a fourth-round pick to the Florida Panthers for a 2026 first-round pick and Spencer Knight. It was initially reported that this pick had no conditions, but it has since been revealed to be top-ten protected, a fact confirmed by Frank Seravalli. If the Panthers retain the pick, their 2027 first will go to Chicago, which is already obligated to the Boston Bruins from a previous trade. Chicago’s front office was aware of the stipulation, though it was not widely reported until now.
