Jones is part of the abundance of players vying for the final few roster spots, especially at the center position this fall. He did spend 15 games with Calgary in 2012-13, but only tallied a single point in those games. He isn't known for his scoring, however, so his value clearly lies on the ice and not in the fantasy arena.
Jones has yet to translate his success in the AHL to the big leagues, as he has 14 points in 99 games over the last five seasons. He signed a two-year deal with Calgary over the summer, so the Flames feel he has some potential. However, until he shows he can play consistently and score in the NHL, he’s not going to make much of a fantasy impact.
Jones has to work for everything he gets. He has a strong shot and decent to middling skills but he just hasn't been able to turn his junior scoring touch into pro points. He's never played more than 20 games in any of the last four seasons but this could be his year. The Bolts need guys on the wings and Jones could fill a spot on the fourth line. Hard work and perseverance translate well on the ice but they rarely carry over into fantasy...
Jones has good size (6-3 and 210 pounds) but he just doesn't have the top-end skill to be much more than journeyman lower-line forward... that is, if he even cracks the NHL on a regular basis. Don't get us wrong -- he has decent skills and a powerful shot, but he just hasn't put up the kind of numbers in pro hockey that he did in his last year of junior. His single-year deal pretty much says it all -- it's a make or break for his NHL future. Next year could see him overseas. Don't draft.
It's now or never for Jones to solidify an NHL job. He didn't see time with the big club last year after playing 24 games over the previous two years. His only shot this year is as the team's fourth line center and he has to nail it. Or he becomes a permanent minor leaguer.
Three words -- career minor leaguer. He's still too young to officially hand him that label. But right now -- at least in a deep squad in Tampa Bay -- he's doomed to ride the buses.
Jones put in an outstanding performance in the Western Hockey League in 2005-06 but doesn't really project as a scorer in the NHL. He's a long way off.
Jones is one of those steady and unspectacular, two-way players who seems to perform well regardless of his average talents. He's smart and dedicated, and will likely be a solid third-line citizen in the NHL some day.
