Can Seth Jones force Team USA's hand on the Olympic blue line?
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Jonathan Ouimet
Dec 26, 2025 (11:35 PM)
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Photo credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
With Olympic roster decisions nearing, several Panthers could be selected for Milan 2026 - and Seth Jones deserves serious consideration.
Jones has put together an excellent season in Florida. Through 35 games, he has six goals and 21 points, numbers that stand out even more when paired with the workload he's carrying. He leads the Panthers in average ice time at 23:59 per game and is trusted in every situation, from power play minutes to late-game defensive assignments.
The challenge for Jones isn't performance - it's depth. Team USA's blue line is arguably its most stacked position. Quinn Hughes, Jaccob Slavin, Charlie McAvoy, Zach Werenski, Adam Fox, Brock Faber, and Jake Sanderson are widely viewed as near-locks, leaving just one potential opening. That final spot could come down to a group that includes John Carlson, Lane Hutson, Noah Hanifin, Jackson LaCombe, and Jones.
What works in Jones' favor is how complete his game has become since joining the Panthers. His previous stops in Columbus and Chicago came under difficult circumstances, but in Florida, his strengths are maximized. He plays heavy minutes, skates well for a 6-foot-4 defender, and contributes on both sides of the puck.
According to Natural Stat Trick, Jones leads all Panthers defensemen in offensive-zone starts (81) while also leading the entire roster in defensive-zone starts (97). That combination speaks volumes about the trust head coach Paul Maurice places in him. Jones isn't being sheltered - he's being relied upon.
There's also the experience factor. Jones is 31, has played in high-pressure playoff environments, and now owns Stanley Cup-winning experience. On a U.S. roster loaded with puck movers and power-play specialists, a right-shot defenseman who can log tough minutes, kill penalties, and handle physical matchups carries real value.
If Jones ultimately doesn't make the Olympic team, it won't be because he fell short. It will be because the margin is razor-thin. Still, he's done everything possible this season to put himself firmly in the conversation - and that alone says plenty about the level he's playing at right now.