When the Boston Bruins return to the ice this fall, they will showcase several new faces. Among the most significant additions are Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm. Conversely, notable players like Jake DeBrusk and Matt Grzelcyk have departed, signing with other teams over the summer.
One intriguing new player, though perhaps not the most high-profile, is Max Jones, signed to a two-year, $2 million deal with an average annual value of $1 million. This low-cost signing follows a pattern similar to last summer’s acquisitions like Danton Heinen and James van Riemsdyk, who exceeded expectations. General Manager Don Sweeney hopes Jones will be another successful budget-friendly addition.
Jones’ Journey to the NHL
Jones, born on February 17, 1998, is 26 years old and stands at 6-foot-3, fitting the Bruins’ preference for larger players. An American from Michigan, Jones is the son of Brad Jones, a former NHL player who had stints with the Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers, and also played abroad in Finland and Germany.
Jones played in the US Development Program and the USHL for the 2014-15 season, participating in the U17 and U18 national teams. He then shifted to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for his draft year, joining the London Knights. He contributed significantly to the Knights’ success, culminating in a Memorial Cup victory. Despite a 12-game suspension for a blindside hit during the playoffs, Jones was drafted 24th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2016, though initially projected as a top-ten pick.
Time with the Anaheim Ducks
Jones remained in the OHL until 2018 before debuting with the Ducks in 2019. He split time between the NHL and the AHL in his early seasons, scoring his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens in March 2019. By the 2020-21 season, Jones became a full-time NHL player. His best season was in 2022-23, with nine goals and 19 points over 69 games. However, injuries and the pandemic hindered his development, leading the Ducks not to extend a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.
What Jones Brings to the Bruins
In response to challenging playoff series in 2023 and 2024, the Bruins aim to increase their size and toughness. Jones fits this strategy among the forwards, complementing Zadorov’s addition on defense. While not expected to be a top scorer, Jones could develop into a valuable bottom-six forward contributing 10-15 goals, a metric that would mark a successful season for him in 2024-25.