How a basketball star's son became an NHL record-breaking defenseman and Stanley Cup champion
In short: Born to NBA player Popeye Jones, Seth Jones traded the basketball court for the ice at age five. After advice from Hall of Famer Joe Sakic, he rose through elite development programs to become a top NHL prospect, eventually setting league records and capturing the Stanley Cup in 2025.
Seth Jones, born in 1994, grew up in a professional sports environment while his father, Ronald "Popeye" Jones, played in the NBA. During the family's time in Denver, a chance encounter with Colorado Avalanche legend Joe Sakic proved pivotal. Sakic advised the family to prioritize skating fundamentals, a suggestion that helped shape Jones's trajectory as he transitioned from inline skating to organized ice hockey at age six.
Jones's path to the NHL was marked by high expectations and international success. He was a standout for the United States National Team Development Program and later the Portland Winterhawks, where he won the Ed Chynoweth Cup. Despite being ranked as the top North American prospect heading into the 2013 NHL entry draft, he was selected fourth overall by the Nashville Predators. His professional career has spanned stints with the Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers.
Throughout his career, Jones has demonstrated remarkable endurance and skill. In August 2020, during a grueling quintuple-overtime playoff game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, he set an NHL record by skating for 65:06. His persistence culminated in 2025, when he helped the Florida Panthers secure a Stanley Cup victory, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in the final series. Beyond his club success, Jones has been a consistent presence for Team USA, earning multiple gold medals at the IIHF World U18 and World Junior Championships.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Seth Jones
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