$76,000,000 Chicago Blackhawks D-man makes feelings known about fans booing him during game against Flames

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones has responded to jeering fans following his subpar play in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames.

Jones, who signed an eight-year, $76 million contract in 2021, had a dreadful giveaway on the power play that led to a Flames shorthanded goal. The backhand pass in the neutral zone allowed Flames center Yegor Sharangovich to score, putting Calgary up 5-2 in the second period.

After the game, Jones declined to speak with reporters. However, he opened up after practice on Tuesday, accepting blame for his mistakes.

"We're not putting the product on the ice that we want to, and I'll gladly take the blame for that," Jones said (Per NHL.com). "That's what comes with the territory of the contract that I got, and I'm willing to stand in front of that."

Jones acknowledged the fan unrest as he heard boos rain down when he touched the puck later in the game. However, he understands their frustration with the team's poor performance.

"It's unfortunate. The losing obviously doesn't help any of that at all, and the position we've been in the last few years," he said. "But [I'll] start with myself, and we can always find a way to be better."

Jones called his giveaway a "boneheaded play" that "destroyed the momentum" of being on an extended power play. He vowed to simplify his game and make smarter decisions moving forward.

The 30-year-old recorded 15 points and a -13 plus/minus rating through 28 games. Nevertheless, his 24:40 of ice time leads the team and ranks ninth overall in the NHL.

The fourth overall pick in 2013, Jones has 420 career points in 825 NHL games.

Chicago Blackhawks coach Anders Sorensen on fans booing Seth Jones

Chicago Blackhawks coach Anders Sorensen also spoke about fans booing defenseman Seth Jones after his poor performance on Monday. He said he's spoken to Jones and found him receptive to criticism.

"At the end of the day he's a hockey player; he wants to improve as a hockey player, and he wants to contribute," Sorensen said. "So it's just finding different channels and avenues to help him out in that area."

Sorensen said while he listens to Jones' viewpoint, the coaching staff have their own perspective. However, the two often align, as Jones holds himself accountable.

"He's aware," Sorensen noted."He knows when he's not doing well. It's not like he's saying 'Oh, I'm playing great here.'"

Jones and the Chicago Blackhawks will look to bounce back when they visit Nashville on Thursday.