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Jones, 31, appeared in 16 games with Minnesota after being acquired from Calgary for goalie Niklas Backstrom, and then another six games in the playoffs, notching just one assist. The 31-year-old winger was a long-time player for Colorado and Calgary, but declining production saw him fall out of favor with both clubs. The veteran has spent nearly his entire career in the Western Conference, which means that teams familiar with his work may be intrigued by adding him to the bottom-six, but he’ll have to wait for his opportunity.
Jones stayed healthy for the first time in a few years, and as a result, put his best offensive season together since 2012-13. He registered 30 points in 67 games in the regular season, then exploded for five points in the six-game playoff series win against Vancouver. While he may never grow into an offensive star like some thought he might at the beginning of his career in Colorado, Jones is an above-average talent for a third-line winger and has the ability to hit 40 points if everything clicks this season.
Jones had his season cut short with an arm injury in 2013-14, but did register 17 points in 48 games before he hit the IR. He will provide a decent burst of offense from the third or fourth line, but his fantasy contributions are minimal, especially with his injury history.
Jones is hoping for a fresh start in Calgary after a disappointing 2012-13 season in Colorado in which he scored only nine points. In the previous two seasons, he had 47 goals and 35 assists, so he has an outside shot at the second line in Calgary if he can prove last season was an outlier. He may not get to 27 goals (2010-11) again anytime soon, as he was surrounded by more talent in Colorado. But he is primed for a decent bounce-back season if he can stay healthy. He might just bring you value as a late-round selection, particularly in leagues with goal-heavy scoring systems.
Jones tallied 37 points (20G, 17A) in 72 games last season, a disappointing result after cracking the 40-point barrier (27G, 18A) the season before. He also averaged roughly two minutes less in ice time and was frequently a healthy scratch down the stretch. Still, the Avs confirmed their commitment to the rugged winger, taking him off the free agent market in June by inking him to a new four-year, $16 million contract. Jones should open 2012-13 on the Avs' third line, but a top-six role is not out of the question provided he can step up his play.
Jones, who has been plagued by injuries over most of his short career thus far, finally managed to play close to a full slate of games last year, scoring a career-high 45 points (27G, 18A) in 77 games. As long as he stays healthy, Jones should resume his role as the Avs' second-line right winger this season. Big and rugged with a heavy shot and decent speed, Jones could be a 40-goal scorer someday if he develops some durability. He could be a late-round bargain in deeper fantasy leagues this season.
Jones played in just 23 games last season before suffering a torn ACL which effectively ended his season. He resumed practicing in early April with the intent of rejoining the team in time for the playoffs, but ultimately was unable to get himself back into the lineup. With 16 points (10 G, 6 A) in those 23 games played, Jones showed some real fantasy potential prior to his injury. He projects as a top-six forward if fully healthy, and could be a good sleeper pick on draft day.
Jones played in 40 games for the Avs last season, totaling 13 points (8G, 5A) before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury on January 27. Jones has decent offensive upside and will be part of an emerging youth movement in Denver. He should wind up playing on one of the Avs' top two lines this season if he can stay healthy.
Jones saw top-six minutes with the Avs late last season, and could wind up as the Avs' number two RW this year if he has a solid training camp and Marek Svatos continues to underperform. Jones has all the tools to be an elite power forward in the NHL - good size, strength and speed to go along with a hard, accurate shot. He's worth keeping an eye on.
Jones was sent to the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL in Sept. 2007.