If Seth Jones wants to come to the Avs, they should try to get him

When it comes to anything reported by Elliotte Friedman, take it to the bank. Elliotte said on “Hockey Night in Canada” Hot Stove last night that Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones would “love” to be traded to either Colorado or Dallas. Jones has already informed the Blue Jackets that he is not interested in signing a long-term extension with Columbus. He has one year left on his contract.

Jones played lots of youth hockey in Denver, along with Dallas. His father, Popeye, played for the Denver Nuggets and befriended Joe Sakic and other Avs players in his time with the Nugs. Jones was in the same draft class as Nathan MacKinnon, in 2013.

Seth Jones is one heck of a defenseman, and he’d look great in an Avs sweater. Of course, the question is: what would it cost?

I’d say it would cost something on the order of a Nazem Kadri/Tyson Jost/J.T. Compher, a first-round pick and a prospect like a Conor Timmins or a Justin Barron. Something like that. I wouldn’t give up a Bo Byram to get him, yet I’m sure that’s the kind of guy Columbus would ask for. And, maybe I could be talked into giving up Byram for Jones.

Seth Jones is a proven D-man. Byram is not. Not yet, anyway. The Avs still seem like they need more size on the back end. Jones would give that.

I would expect Joe Sakic to at least talk with Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen about this. If Seth Jones is on the open market, you owe it to yourself to at least kick the tires.

Especially, after another second-round playoff exit.