The general manager of the defending champs explains the decision to go get Jones and what else his team might need before the deadline.

Seth Jones will get to wear No. 3 once again and will do so with the Florida Panthers after Saturday’s blockbuster trade. Sometimes, when players are traded to a new team or sign as a free agent, getting their preferred number is a problem.

This time, Zito pulled off another major deal, trading 2019 first-round pick and backup goalie Spencer Knight, along with a future first-round selection in 2026 or 2027, to acquire Jones from the Blackhawks. Once again, the Panthers managed to add a high-caliber player without disrupting their core lineup.