Seth Jones Shines Bright as Florida Panthers Eye Another Stanley Cup Final
The Florida Panthers have been buzzing with energy this playoff season, and for good reason. Coming off a recent Stanley Cup win, they’ve now booked a spot in another playoff final—and they’ve done it with historic scoring depth. With 19 different Panthers players contributing goals this postseason, one new name has stood out among the rest: Seth Jones. Formerly with the Chicago Blackhawks, Jones made a game-changing impact in Florida’s Round 2 Game 7 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, helping push the team to the next stage.
His arrival has proven to be a masterstroke, and head coach Paul Maurice isn’t holding back praise for the move.
<strong>Paul Maurice’s Coaching Vision Meets Seth Jones’ Execution</strong>
Maurice, who took over the Panthers in 2022 and has led the team to playoff appearances each season since—including a Stanley Cup win—credited both GM Bill Zito and his own tactical vision for the team’s success. Zito previously managed the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he first encountered Jones. Maurice himself had also seen Jones up close during a seven-game playoff series while coaching the Winnipeg Jets. “He was dominant,” Maurice recalled. “He could round the back of the net, get up the ice, and generate so much. You couldn’t get a handle on him.”
Maurice noted that this was exactly the level of play Florida had hoped for when they brought Jones in. While it wasn’t clear how long it would take for him to reach peak performance, the plan had always been built around his potential.
<strong>A Jab at Chicago’s “Development Curve”</strong>
Maurice didn’t mince words when referencing Jones’ previous teams, calling them part of “a different development curve”—a clear swipe at the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks, whom Jones left behind. It’s evident that Maurice values Jones’ skillset and believes the defenseman has finally found a team environment that matches his drive.
<strong>Inside the Locker Room: Jones on Maurice’s Leadership</strong>
Jones has spoken openly about the positive shift since joining Florida, especially under Maurice’s unique coaching style. Speaking about a now-viral comment Maurice made after Game 4 against the Hurricanes—where he bluntly criticized defensive gaps—Jones highlighted the coach’s ability to balance intensity with levity. “He knows how to take the temperature of the group,” said Jones. “He can be really intense… but he’s also very good at throwing a joke in there when we’re doing video.”
This behind-the-scenes insight reveals a locker room that thrives on both accountability and camaraderie—a major change from Jones’ experience in Chicago.
<strong>Leaving Chicago: A Move Fueled by Winning Ambitions</strong>
For Jones, the move to Florida wasn’t just about geography—it was about winning. “Winning games makes you feel better,” he said in a recent interview. “You have fun coming to the rink every day.” While he admitted that the future is uncertain—“It could be two weeks. It could be five more years.”—his focus remains clear: contributing to a winning culture.
And so far, that decision looks like the right one.
<strong>A Playoff Run to Remember</strong>
As the Panthers gear up for the Stanley Cup Final, it’s safe to say that Seth Jones has played a key role in their playoff story. With standout performances and a seamless fit into Maurice’s system, his transition from Chicago to Florida is paying off—not just for the player, but for the entire organization.
Whether this run ends with another championship or not, Jones’ decision to leave a struggling Blackhawks team for a title contender looks smarter by the day.