Report: Stars are Jones' preferred trade destination

The Dallas Stars are the top team on Seth Jones' wishlist if the Chicago Blackhawks meet his desire to be dealt, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reports.

Jones recently acknowledged he discussed the prospect of a trade with Chicago's management, saying he wants to play for a Stanley Cup contender in the latter stages of his career. A deal could be difficult to facilitate, though, as Jones has a full no-move clause and carries a $9.5-million cap hit through 2028.

The 30-year-old Dallas native has been openly critical of the Blackhawks' effort this year, a season many expected them to take at least a small step forward.

"We're the exact same team right now as we were game one," Jones said after Tuesday's loss to Utah, per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. "It's pretty evident out there. We haven't made any strides to be a better, more simple hockey team, and it shows. We don't get a lot of wins because of that.

"This has been almost four years of bottom of the league, so it's not just this year - for me at least."

Jones has been limited to 41 appearances this season due to injury, and he's notched 27 points while averaging 24:31 per contest.

The Stars are looking to add defense before the March 7 trade deadline and currently have approximately $4.6 million in deadline cap space, according to PuckPedia.