When the Boston Bruins hit the ice this fall, they’ll have several new players. Among the most notable additions are Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm, but they’ll also be missing some key figures, with Jake DeBrusk and Matt Grzelcyk signing with other teams this summer.
One intriguing addition is Max Jones, who has been signed to a two-year, $2 million contract, which carries a modest average annual value of $1 million. This low cap hit is reminiscent of the budget-friendly signings from last summer, like Danton Heinen and James van Riemsdyk, who exceeded expectations. Jones could potentially follow in their footsteps as a successful “cheap” acquisition by GM Don Sweeney.
Jones’ Path to the NHL
Jones, born on February 17, 1998, is still relatively young at 26. Standing 6-foot-3, he fits the Bruins’ preference for larger players. He grew up in Michigan, where his father, Brad Jones, had a professional hockey career spanning 148 NHL games and international play in Finland and Germany.
Jones began his development with the U.S. National Development Program, playing in the USHL during the 2014-15 season and for the U.S. national U17 and U18 teams. In the 2015-16 season, he joined the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the London Knights, a team loaded with talent like Mitch Marner and Matthew Tkachuk. Jones finished sixth in team scoring with 52 points in 63 games and contributed to the Knights’ Memorial Cup win, though he faced a 12-game suspension for a blindside hit during the playoffs.
Entering the 2016 NHL Draft, Jones was a Memorial Cup champion and anticipated to be a first-round pick. Despite strong skating and shooting skills, his draft stock fell due to concerns about his discipline and playmaking abilities. He was ultimately selected 24th overall by the Anaheim Ducks.
Anaheim Ducks
Jones continued with the OHL for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, becoming an alternate captain and later joining the Kingston Frontenacs. He made his NHL debut with the Ducks on January 16, 2019, against the Minnesota Wild and split his rookie season between the NHL and AHL. He scored his first NHL goal on March 8, 2019, and finished the season with two goals and five points in 30 NHL games.
Jones’ best NHL season came in 2022-23 with 69 games played, nine goals, and 19 points. However, injuries and a global pandemic hindered his development. The Ducks opted not to extend a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.
What Jones Brings to the Bruins
The Bruins are aiming to enhance their physicality following challenging playoff exits. Zadorov strengthens their defense, and Jones is expected to bolster the forward group. The low-risk, low-cost signing could yield significant benefits, similar to last summer’s successful additions. While Jones may not become a top scorer, he could be a valuable bottom-six forward contributing 10-15 goals.
A fresh start in Boston might unlock new aspects of Jones’ game. If not, his minimal cap hit makes him a low-risk investment with potential for high reward, adding depth to the roster and excelling in drawing penalties for power play opportunities.