Sean Maloughney: Oilers Report Card: #82 Caleb Jones

Who???

Of the defensemen for the Oilers this season that played at least 20 games, Jones ranks second in CF% (48.95%), third in SCF% (47.27%), first in GF% (51.92%), and second in xGF. Across the board, Jones has done extremely well in producing chances while not being gifted too many gravy minutes.
- SEEEAAAAN

Ever the pedant, I must correct you and say he's actually first in xGF (49.78 Vs 49.62) and 2nd in GF (51.92 Vs 58.97). Read slower

Ever the pedant, I must correct you and say he's actually first in xGF (49.78 Vs 49.62) and 2nd in GF (51.92 Vs 58.97). Read slower
- MaximumBone

You keep me honest sir. You are correct and it's been fixed

You keep me honest sir. You are correct and it's been fixed
- freelancer

I'm excited to see what Jones can do next season. Given his position, he has an opportunity to take the spot of one of the LD ahead of him. I think I like his game more than either Klefbom or Nurse, if I'm honest!

I'm excited to see what Jones can do next season. Given his position, he has an opportunity to take the spot of one of the LD ahead of him. I think I like his game more than either Klefbom or Nurse, if I'm honest!
- MaximumBone

How are things Bonesie.

I'm excited to see what Jones can do next season. Given his position, he has an opportunity to take the spot of one of the LD ahead of him. I think I like his game more than either Klefbom or Nurse, if I'm honest!
- MaximumBone

Holland did a great job extending him two years at .85. If Jones continues to improve and is a solid top 4 in the next two yeaes you could trade Klefbom if his injury issues continue or Nurse if the two sides can't come together on a long term deal, or keep all three and then repeat when Broberg comes along.

I like you mentioned his speed as not being great. Very tired of all the great skating comments I hear about this player while at the nhl level for defenseman he is average at best.

I think Sekera is a good comparison but Jones has miles to go to fill those shoes.

His minutes and quality of competition seem lower than even you state. I know you hate Russell but I think Jones is no where near able to handle minutes like him. Russell is a acceptable 4 in a pinch and a solid #5. Jones is a 6/7 at best so far. He has a long loooooooong ways to go before he gets even close to regular top 4 usage.

But I do agree he improved and is improving. Hopefully he continues to do so and can surprise us at some point like Bear did. Come into a year and just steal a spot in the top 4.

How are things Bonesie.
- Aetherial

The quarantine pulling me back form Europe was a bit of a BONE-r but all is well now How about yourself?

I like you mentioned his speed as not being great. Very tired of all the great skating comments I hear about this player while at the nhl level for defenseman he is average at best.

I think Sekera is a good comparison but Jones has miles to go to fill those shoes.

His minutes and quality of competition seem lower than even you state. I know you hate Russell but I think Jones is no where near able to handle minutes like him. Russell is a acceptable 4 in a pinch and a solid #5. Jones is a 6/7 at best so far. He has a long loooooooong ways to go before he gets even close to regular top 4 usage.

But I do agree he improved and is improving. Hopefully he continues to do so and can surprise us at some point like Bear did. Come into a year and just steal a spot in the top 4.
- Aerchon

I think his mention of quality of competition is likely skewed by his stint with Larsson where he fared pretty darn well in a top 4 role- something Russell didn't do at all this year.

I like you mentioned his speed as not being great. Very tired of all the great skating comments I hear about this player while at the nhl level for defenseman he is average at best.

I think Sekera is a good comparison but Jones has miles to go to fill those shoes.

His minutes and quality of competition seem lower than even you state. I know you hate Russell but I think Jones is no where near able to handle minutes like him. Russell is a acceptable 4 in a pinch and a solid #5. Jones is a 6/7 at best so far. He has a long loooooooong ways to go before he gets even close to regular top 4 usage.

But I do agree he improved and is improving. Hopefully he continues to do so and can surprise us at some point like Bear did. Come into a year and just steal a spot in the top 4.
- Aerchon

The time of Russell even being able to be mentioned as a top 4 has long past and even when he was he was being propped up and dragged along by Sekera.

The numbers don't lie, this season Russell and Jones played in very similar situations against very similar competition. Russell is among the team worst in terms of producing chances, limiting chances against and giving the team possession of the puck. The only area Russell excels now is on the PK where he doesn't have to worry about making a pass to a player and he can just dump it out.

Russell is the 6/7 player now and he is only getting worse with each passing year. The best thing Holland can do this summer is find a way to dump that contract.

Holland did a great job extending him two years at .85. If Jones continues to improve and is a solid top 4 in the next two yeaes you could trade Klefbom if his injury issues continue or Nurse if the two sides can't come together on a long term deal, or keep all three and then repeat when Broberg comes along.
- freelancer

That deal was a great call to make there Unless he suddenly blows up and takes over all the offensive minutes, I don't see his third contract being much more than what Bear could demand now, so there's little risk. I'd really look forward to a future of:

Nurse- Bouchard
Jones- Bear
Broberg- Benning

Feeding the puck up to what can hopefully become a well-balanced attack I'd even take two elite lines, though!

I like you mentioned his speed as not being great. Very tired of all the great skating comments I hear about this player while at the nhl level for defenseman he is average at best.

I think Sekera is a good comparison but Jones has miles to go to fill those shoes.

His minutes and quality of competition seem lower than even you state. I know you hate Russell but I think Jones is no where near able to handle minutes like him. Russell is a acceptable 4 in a pinch and a solid #5. Jones is a 6/7 at best so far. He has a long loooooooong ways to go before he gets even close to regular top 4 usage.

But I do agree he improved and is improving. Hopefully he continues to do so and can surprise us at some point like Bear did. Come into a year and just steal a spot in the top 4.
- Aerchon

I disagree. You are nuts if you still have Russell ahead of Jones. Also he is an above average skater. Just because hes not straight line blazing speed does not mean he isn't agile. There is a reason most if not all scouts and Woodcroft have praised his skating. 3rd best skater on our D behind Nurse and Klef.