Add VAN's 2023 1st round pick, and we might have a deal. But I doubt Jones would waive for Vancouver.

I understand all the Jones bashing. He leads the last place team in ATOI which of course means his production is going to be poor. He really hasn't been bad though. An AHL team does surround him. If Jones and OEL want to waive to go to VAN/CHI...I won't get in the way. I don't 100% remember, but I thought OEL was quite picky on where he could be traded to?

A top pairing of Hughes and Jones would break analytical models for xGA etc

As an ardent supporter of chaos, I have argued for an OEL/Jones swap before. I think it could make sense for both sides, but I don’t think Jones is worth a first rounder WITHOUT retention just because of the term remaining on his deal.

I'm sure there wouldn't be one if OEL isn't there he somehow still has 4 years left after this year

Jones isn’t worth that much. His contract is an albatross. With the Miller contract kicking in I have no doubt that Van has no interest in taking on Jones. Chicago would have to eat at least 3 mil to make him actually moveable and I don’t see that happening.

Ekman-Larsson doesn't waive for Chicago, Nor does Seth Jones waive for Vancouver. Seth Jones made it abundantly clear that he had no desire to play in Canada. When he was dealt from Columbus to Chicago. And Ekman-Larsson isn't waiving for one of the worst teams in the NHL.

IDK if Jones or OEL would waive but if they did I think this trade is fair. This is probably the most hawks could get for Jones anywhere.

Hawks have zero reason to trade jones unless someone overpays for him. Right now he's their only hope at getting to the cap floor next season and despite all the haters he's been a perfectly fine top pair RHD for them. Check back in 5 years when the hawks might actually try to win games and there's less term on his deal.

there's zero point in keeping jones right now and by the time the hawks are competitive again he's gonna be a 9.5 mill dollar washed up player. OEL will come off the books sooner and will help hit the cap floor too and he's literally terrible so the hawks will be a total tank team which is what they need right now. Jones is literally a negative contribution to the franchise by helping them win.

They're in last place.

What is the point in trading all that for Jones. 9.5 to be a mediocre defenseman for the next 8 years? Rather just stick it out with OEL for the next 4

Dumping OEL alone would cost a large chunk of what you proposed. Take him out or add the 2023 1st.