This time, Zito pulled off another major deal, trading 2019 first-round pick and backup goalie Spencer Knight, along with a future first-round selection in 2026 or 2027, to acquire Jones from the Blackhawks. Once again, the Panthers managed to add a high-caliber player without disrupting their core lineup.

The general manager of the defending champs explains the decision to go get Jones and what else his team might need before the deadline.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have acquired defenseman Seth Jones in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Veteran defenseman Seth Jones impressed his Florida Panthers teammates in his debut Monday night, a 2-1 victory over their in-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning in which he played just under 23 minutes and nearly scored a goal for the Stanley Cup champions.

Seth Jones impressed his Florida Panthers teammates in his debut Monday night, but it's anyones guess when Matthew Tkachuk will be sharing the ice with his newest teammate. Jones played just under 23 minutes and nearly scored a goal in the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers' 2-1 win over their in-state rival Tampa Bay

It was not that way for the Florida Panthers. A day after pulling off the deal that brought Jones in from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight, Panthers general manager and hockey operations president Bill Zito said the Stanley Cup champions took their time before finally executing the move and agreeing to bring on Jones — who has five years left on a big-money contract.

A day after pulling off a deal that brought Seth Jones in from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight, Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito said the Stanley Cup champions will provide an environment that "he'll thrive in.