Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones is doing his best to protect his team against complacency during another losing season.
"(My) motivation is always there to try to lead the team from the back end and be that guy on the ice that is just solid every game, even when things aren't going well," he told the Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope. "Everyone in here needs motivation to be better. Everyone is in here trying to prove something - from top to bottom, old to young. No one should be comfortable with the way they're playing."
Jones added: "As soon as you get comfortable losing, you're effed."
The 29-year-old signed an eight-year, $76-million extension after the Columbus Blue Jackets traded him to the Blackhawks during the 2021 offseason. Chicago owns a league-worst 69-130-22 record since Jones joined the team.
Jones acknowledged that the constant losing is "not fun for anybody in here." The Blackhawks have dropped 21 consecutive road games, with all but one of those losses coming in regulation.
"That's terrible; that's embarrassing," he said. "But you have to go into the next game expecting to win, or else it's going to be 10-0 ... you'll have no chance from the drop of the puck. We do not want to get comfortable losing in here. That's the worst thing that could happen."
In late October, head coach Luke Richardson said he was "tired" of moral victories and that he wanted to see more of his club during his second season behind the bench. Even with Connor Bedard making constant headlines, Chicago is on track to finish last in the league.
"Hopefully, we can continue to build and grow this thing to where it needs to be," Jones said. "But at the moment, it sucks. ... As an athlete, it just weighs on you, right? You play this game to win."
Jones has chipped in with one goal and 16 points in 42 games this campaign while averaging almost 26 minutes per contest. He has six years remaining on his deal after this season, and his pact includes a full no-move clause.
The Blackhawks will host the Winnipeg Jets on Friday.
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