There is one thing hindering the Chicago Blackhawks rebuild

The Chicago Blackhawks have been rebuilding flawlessly since Kyle Davidson took over. It took a minute to really get it going as it usually does but he has done an outstanding job.

In just over a year, he really turned a weak farm system into an elite one. The only thing it is missing is a truly elite stud prospect and they are getting a borderline generational talent in Connor Bedard this June.

They also have a total of six first-round picks as of right now in the next three drafts to go along with eight second-round picks in the same time frame. This rebuild has a chance to turn them back into a powerhouse with some smart moves and a bit more luck.

There is one thing going on right now though that is tough. Not long before he left, Stan Bowman made a huge trade for Seth Jones. Jones is a certified number one defenseman in the NHL that can compete in All-Star Games every year.

He probably falls just a tick short of being a Norris Trophy guy though which is why his 9.5 million dollar cap hit is tough. It makes it even worse to know that it doesn’t expire until 2029-30. Jones will spend most of that contract in his 30s which is the time players start to decline.

Seth Jones’ contract is going to hurt the Chicago Blackhawks for a while.

He probably isn’t worth 9.5 now at 28 so how is it going to look when he’s 34? Meanwhile, Connor Bedard will be an NHL vet by that time. Davidson has a tricky situation here with one last mess that Bowman made before he left.

This is not a slight on Seth Jones at all. He can be a very productive player. He just isn’t worth 9.5 million dollars and certainly won’t be in five years. That cap hit will hinder the rebuild for a while.

The Hawks are going to have to keep paying him that money but it could be used on someone else if he wasn’t there. Of course, Davidson is going to try to trade it but it is hard to see anyone taking it at this point in time.

We can only hope that he finds a way to build around it and use Jones in a way that helps the team win until they are out from underneath that contract.