Why the Predators shouldn't have traded Seth Jones

On Wednesday the Columbus Blue Jackets traded superstar Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators for former 4th overall pick Seth Jones. Johansen has been on newly hired head coach John Tortorella's chopping block since he was hired in late October. Torts has battled with with the young star since coming to the Blue Jackets. His early comments about the center included that he was "out of shape". Torts also scratched Johansen in early December to "reset the superstar". 

Production wise Johansen is having a slow year with six goals and 20 assists in 38 games so far this season. Johansen had been pegged to be one of the bight pieces that would help lead the Jackets back to the playoffs. But a down year, struggles with his coach, and lack of depth on the blue line. As for Jones the young press defenseman in his first 40 games this season he has a goal and ten assists. Jones is a great young puck moving defenseman who is still trying to develop into the star that he could someday be. He comes to the Jackets being a mostly first pair defenseman with Shea Weber.

You don't often see a straight up star for a star, but in this case it doesn't look like either team could have gotten more. But here is where it doesn't make sense from the Predators perspective. Seth Jones is only 21 year of age and will be developing into his body in the next year or two. He is also a very affordable player; the Predators should have looked to trade a veteran defenseman like Shea Webber. This idea first came from TravisYost of TSN  who proposed that the Preds should have traded their captain Shea Weber. Weber who is 30 years old is closer to hitting his decline than Jones. While Weber has a very impressive resume, we all know what he is and that’s a strong physical blue liner. Seth Jones has more upside because no one knows exactly what he will be as he develops. Jones is one of many quick puck moving offensive defenseman that has taken the game by storm, and has backed it up with solid play in his own end. 

This has been the biggest trade of the season and you wonder why the two teams would look to swap players. Both teams have gaps that Jones and Johansen will fill, but is it really worth giving up a highly toughed player. In a few years these two times might be regretting this trade as much as the Bruins regret trading Sequin. But only time will tell and it will be interesting how both players gel in their new roles with new teams.