Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito is at it again.

With the NHL Trade Deadline still six day away, it appears Zito has jumped ahead of the market and made a big move.

How big?

Per multiple reports, the Panthers are acquiring 30-year-old defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional 2026 1st Round Pick that can move to 2027. 

As part of the deal, Chicago will also send the Panthers a 2026 4th Round Pick and retain $2.5 million of Jones’ annual contract.

Jones is signed through the 2029-30 season on an AAV (average annual value) of $9.5 million.

Knight is signed through next season on a $4.5 million AAV.

Florida selected Knight 13th overall at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft while Jones was taken by 4th overall by Nashville in 2013.

Zito and Jones have some history together as they spent several years together in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.

This is a breaking news story. 

Caption for photo at top of page: Oct 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (4) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Bobrovsky blanks Flames as Panthers pick up dominant 3-0 win

Panthers aim for third straight win as homestand continues against Calgary

The Hockey Show: Painful moments, 4 Nations fallout and lots of F-bombs

Three takeaways: Panthers receive steady play from Lundell line, third defensive pairing

3-point game from Lundell helps push Panthers past Edmonton in Stanley Cup Final rematch