CHICAGO HOCKEY INSIDER | NHL TEAM | CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Ex-Blackhawks defenseman making strong push for Team USA Olympic roster

PUBLICATION

Sam Walker
December 23, 2025 (10:24)

SHARE THIS STORY

Seth Jones is turning heads in South Florida and staking a real claim for a spot on Team USA's Olympic roster with strong play for the Florida Panthers this season. The 31-year-old former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman is leading Florida's blue line offensively and defensively, and that balance is exactly what USA Hockey needs for Milano Cortina.

Jones has 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 35 games, the most among Panthers defensemen and top ten among U.S. defensemen in the league. His skating, size at 6-foot-4 and hockey IQ have him logging 24:01 of ice time a night, which is first among Florida skaters.

After a tough rebuilding stretch with the Blackhawks, Jones got a fresh start when Florida traded for him on March 1. That move led to his first Stanley Cup last season, where he averaged 25:30 a night in the playoffs and scored nine points in 23 games as the Panthers repeated as champions.

USA Hockey invited Jones to the U.S. Men's Olympic Orientation Camp in Plymouth, Michigan, with 44 other contenders looking to make the roster. He hopes his playoff performance and this season's consistency caught the eyes of general manager Bill Guerin and coach Mike Sullivan.

Seth Jones pushing for Olympic spot

Jones acknowledged that an Olympic appearance would be a dream come true, but he's focused on playing his game in Florida and letting results speak for themselves. His role on the Panthers penalty kill and as a right-shot defenseman gives him added value at a position the U.S. tends to be light on.

From the fan perspective, seeing Jones thrive after Chicago's rebuild has been satisfying, and his Stanley Cup success makes a compelling argument for why he should wear the red, white and blue in February. He's already represented the United States internationally in World Championships and junior tournaments, but this would be his first best-on-best Olympic appearance.

Jones' path from ex-Blackhawk to Stanley Cup champ and Olympic hopeful is a storyline USA fans can get behind. With rosters due Dec. 31 and the Olympics running Feb. 11-22, he's positioning himself perfectly for a chance at hockey's biggest stage.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Blackhawks getting huge boost this week as captain Nick Foligno nears return

Blackhawks move Ryan Greene to top line with new adjusted combinations

Blackhawks injury update on Nick Foligno and Teuvo Teravainen ahead of facing Flyers on Tuesday

POLL
DECEMBRE 23 \| 45 ANSWERS Ex-Blackhawks defenseman making strong push for Team USA Olympic roster Will Seth Jones make the Team USA Olympic roster?
Yes	12	26.7 %
No	24	53.3 %
Maybe	9	20 %
List of polls

Ex-Blackhawks defenseman making strong push for Team USA Olympic roster

Seth Jones pushing for Olympic spot

Will Seth Jones make the Team USA Olympic roster?