I just turned 21, it goes quick,” he said. “You want to get to the NHL as quick as possible. There was certain point in my head where I’m saying I don’t want to be in the American League. I want to be in the NHL. That’s really my mindset this summer. I don’t care where they have me slotted, where they think I’ll be. I want to come in and basically force myself onto the roster. I’ve been putting in a pretty good amount of work this summer. I still have a lot to do but I’m confident coming to main camp that I will be ready to go and turn some heads.

I think Caleb Jones’ long term potential is flying under the radar a little bit. Jones was a point per game player in his final year with the Winterhawks. In his first pro season with the Condors, he put up 17 points in 58 games.

He won’t be an offensive dynamo at the next level but I’d be shocked if he doesn’t become an NHL regular. For a 21-year-old he thinks the game at a high level, which should allow him to become a workhorse in Bakersfield this season.

After a strong WHL career, Jones turned pro last season and recorded two goals and 17 points in 58 games for Bakersfield. His stats were a little lower than some had hoped for and further development is clearly necessary in the AHL, but the young defender has an intriguing toolset. The younger Jones doesn‘t excel at any one specific area but he is a smooth skater with solid size that can contribute at both ends of the ice and can engage physically. The Oilers will be patient with the young rearguard and although he doesn‘t likely have the offensive upside of a player like Bear, Jones could develop nicely into a bottom-pairing, all-situations defender that brings reliability to his team‘s backend. There is a chance he develops into a legit top four defender but at the moment we have to wait and see what kind of progression his overall game makes in his second pro campaign. Could be a smart late-round pick knowing that the Oilers don‘t have many defense prospects ahead of him on the depth chart.

A versatile two-way defenseman that can fill many different roles and team needs in certain situations due to his workmanlike approach to his position. Possesses a tireless motor and is aggressive on the blue-line. Physicality and board battles are the anchors that hold his game together. Works hard in all situations and is a step ahead in problem-solving. Exhibits good mobility, a quick, accurate shot from the point, and an active stick. All-in-all, a heads-up defenseman who plays a solid, smart all-around game.

Teamed at times with Nashville prospect Jack Dougherty on the top defense pairing, he has shown some offensive flashes in his first season with the Winterhawks to go along with his physical game. Not as highly-regarded as his older brother, Jones projects as a solid middle pairing two-way defenseman.