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Max Jones is yet another one of the fantastic rookies playing with the London Knights this season. Jones has 28 goals and 24 assists for 52 points in 63 games for the Knights so far this year. He has recently gotten suspended for an errant elbow during London’s first round playoff series against Owen Sound. Before coming to London, Jones played in the US National Team Development Program. As a member of Team USA, he scored 7 goals in last years U17 World Hockey Challenge, leading the tournament in goal scoring, and helping the US to a silver medal. Jones put up two goals in the All-American Top Prospects game last fall. He also played at the CHL Top Prospects game. He is another draft prospect who has excellent bloodlines, as his father Brad Jones played 148 games in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jets; and was a journeyman in the AHL and Europe.
Max Jones Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #16
Left Wing — shoots Left
Born Feb 17 1998 — Rochester, MI
Height 6’03” — Weight 200 lbs [191 cm/91 kg]
Max Jones can be a pure sniper. He has an elite shot with a tremendously quick release. A big winger who plays a power forward’s game, Jones gets in quickly and throws hits on the forecheck. He is more than willing to mix things up in battles for pucks in the corners and in front of the net. Jones protects the puck extremely well, working the cycle game to create opportunities for his linemates to get open in scoring areas. He uses his body well to shield the puck, and long reach to keep it away from opponents. Jones can sometimes be too much of a shoot-first player though, getting tunnel vision and not being enough of a passer. He has a tremendous motor and will continue his intense pursuit of the puck in all three zones, never taking a shift off.
Jones is a very good skater for his size. He has a very good first step, and a strong stride that gives him good speed and acceleration. His stride is long and powerful allowing him to fight through checks. Jones is willing to use that power to drive the puck to the front of the net, where he has the quick hands and instincts to finish the play. He has good lower-body strength, giving him excellent balance. Jones has good agility, and can make quick cuts at top speed. He is able to maneuver through traffic both with and without the puck.
Jones plays the game with real edge, as seen by his recent suspension, and the high penalty minute totals he has accumulated over the last several years. He sometimes crosses the line looking for a big hit. He also is not afraid to drop the gloves in order to stand up for himself, or for a teammate. Jones is a decent defensive player, who brings his tenacious puck pursuit in all three zones. He has good positioning and instincts for the game, reading plays well and creating turnovers which he can transition into offence.
Going forward, Jones must find a way to be more consistent on a night in and night out basis. He also needs to work on his discipline, and avoid putting himself in situations that can hurt the team. Max Jones has the potential to be a top six forward in the NHL, if he can put it all together. He plays the game similar to Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks, but this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on talent.
Below is a compilation of Max Jones highlights found on Youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the #17 prospect on our draft board.
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