By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44
A common concept in player development is the idea of a “change of scenery.” It’s a belief that a player’s production is being limited by their surroundings, and that a new team can help remedy the issue. The Bruins have drawn on this idea before, trading for Pavel Zacha from the New Jersey Devils. Zacha’s career has taken off, solidifying his status as a top-six forward. With the signing of Max Jones, the Bruins hope for another success.
Jones joins the Bruins after not being tendered a qualifying offer. Selected 24th overall in the 2016 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks, Jones had spent his entire career to date in southern California.
As Jones packs for Boston, one thing he hopes to leave behind is his past injury problems. Jones missed all but two games of the 2021-22 NHL season after tearing a chest muscle and then missed the final 11 games of this past campaign with a sprained shoulder. If the Rochester, Michigan native can stay healthy, he should have a chance to solidify a regular spot in the Bruins lineup.
What does Jones bring to the table that makes him a strong candidate for the Bruins’ roster? Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney admires Jones’ size at 6′-3″, his ability to forecheck, and to possess the puck. The Bruins are also curious if Jones can produce at a higher rate.
“He’s shown a willingness to get to the net, can he finish a little bit more if he’s pushed up the lineup and play with guys, that’s what we’re going to find out in terms of Max.“, Sweeney added at the Bruins’ July 1st press conference.
With the departure of Jake DeBrusk, the Bruins will need to fill his spot on the second-line. If Head Coach Jim Montgomery determines that Trent Frederic or Morgan Geekie is the best fit for that role, a place on the Bruins’ third-line would be up for grabs. Could Jones then be pushed up the lineup, as Sweeney mentioned?
Since joining the Ducks in 2018, Jones has played in 258 NHL games, but has yet to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Ducks have been in a rebuilding phase. Now, he joins a Bruins team that has been to the playoffs in eight straight seasons. Could playing on a better team with stronger linemates help Jones find a higher gear? There is evidence in Jones’ development path to suggest it’s possible.
In his draft year, Jones was a member of the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, where he played alongside future NHL Superstars Mitch Marner, Matthew Tkachuk, Evan Bouchard, and Robert Thomas. The result? Jones potted 28 goals as the Knights went on to win the Memorial Cup.
If Jones can raise his game, it will fit a recent trend in Boston. Since the hiring of Montgomery as head coach, established veterans and young players have hit career highs in points playing in his system. With players such as Charlie Coyle, Jake DeBrusk, Frederic, Geekie, and Zacha having reached new heights, there is reason to believe this change of scenery may help Jones do the same.
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