Former Panthers All-Star defenseman call acquiring Seth Jones ‘a home run deal for Florida’

The Florida Panthers acquisition of Seth Jones last weekend sent a message to the NHL that the defending Stanley Cup champs were once again the team to beat.

Already considered one of the top teams in the league this season, adding the large, ranging defenseman with soft hands and a heavy shot has been viewed almost universally as an excellent move.

Jones played his first game with the Panthers on Monday, logging 22:56 of ice time and contributing to a big win over Tampa Bay in all situations.

As Jones’ comfort level grows with his new team, the results on the ice should only get better for Florida as they push for another Stanley Cup.

You can add a former Panthers defenseman with a propensity for putting the puck in the net to the list of people who see Jones arrival in South Florida as a excellent move for the team.

Speaking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast on Tuesday, Keith Yandle, who played five seasons in South Florida, gave his thoughts on the Panthers trading for Jones.

“He’s going to be like, ‘Okay, this is my time to win. This is my opportunity, coming to a winning organization, a team that’s committed to winning,’’ said Yandle. “And I think you’re going to just see his stock just go higher and higher. It’s just one of those things where, if you can go out and get an all-star defenseman, like they did in Seth Jones, and he’s not just a skill guy that’s going to give you power play minutes. He’s playing hard minutes, he’s playing a lot of minutes, he’s really good defensively and really good offensively. So I think it’s a home run deal for Florida. They beef up the back end, and I don’t think they’re done. I think they’re going to go out and get a depth forward as well. But really love this trade for the Cats.”

You can check out everything Yandle said about the trade, and the full episode of Spittin’ Chiclets, by clicking here.

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