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Seth Jones reveals a rift between him and the Chicago Blackhawks' Nick Foligno

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Joshua Deeds
October 7, 2025 (8:10)

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Last season, the Chicago Blackhawks traded Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers; following the deal, his teammate and close friend Nick Foligno took a swipe at him, revealing a rift between the two.

Seth Jones is now a Stanley Cup champion, thanks to Kyle Davidson.

Near the end of the 2024-25 season, defenseman Seth Jones would force a trade, negotiating through the media.

General Manager Kyle Davidson would work to make a deal happen between the Florida Panthers and the Chicago Blackhawks.

In return, the team would receive goaltender Spencer Knight and a 1st-round pick while sending Seth Jones and a fourth-round pick attached.

Afterwards, Captain Nick Foligno would issue a statement on the deal, which revealed a rift between the longtime teammates, who have played on both the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Chicago Blackhawks together.

"We've gotten rid of some distractions.
Sometimes, when you make hard decisions, they end up benefiting the group.
Everyone here is pulling on the same rope (now)."

- Nick Foligno

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Seth Jones Was Taken Aback By Nick Foligno's Comments

Jones was well-liked in Chicago, where he played hard every night and showed up as a leader both on and off the ice for a team he'd been a part of since 2021.

The disconnect between the two was apparent, as Jones' heart wasn't in it for the long haul, with the Blackhawks' rebuild ongoing.

Foligno's comments post-trade gave Jones some pause as he'd reach out to see if there was any ill will afterwards.

«I was taken aback,» Jones said Monday ahead of Tuesday's season-opener against the Blackhawks. «But at the same time, I think it was difficult when I was asked comparisons and all this stuff. It was really hard for me to answer those questions. Maybe I said some things that maybe came out wrong. I never meant any disrespect to that organization or the players there. We were trying our hardest every night."

In retrospect, it was just a matter of Jones wanting to be happy while playing hockey wherever he could, and he was lucky enough to land a contending Panthers roster.

The game of hockey is a fiery sport, with emotions running high every night, and as it trickles into interactions everywhere, this was another case of passion overtaking logic.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Connor Bedard shares insights of preparations ahead of season opener against the Florida Panthers

Chicago Blackhawks unveil opening night roster, including several rookies

Prominent NHL source delivers bold prediction on Connor Bedard's season start with Blackhawks

POLL
OCTOBRE 7 \| 218 ANSWERS Seth Jones reveals a rift between him and the Chicago Blackhawks' Nick Foligno Do you think defenseman Seth Jones hated his time with the Chicago Blackhawks?
Yes	172	78.9 %
No	46	21.1 %
List of polls

Seth Jones reveals a rift between him and the Chicago Blackhawks' Nick Foligno

Last season, the Chicago Blackhawks traded Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers; following the deal, his teammate and close friend Nick Foligno took a swipe at him, revealing a rift between the two.

Seth Jones Was Taken Aback By Nick Foligno's Comments

Do you think defenseman Seth Jones hated his time with the Chicago Blackhawks?