CALEB JONES: THERE IS SOMETHING HAPPENING HERE
By Lowetide
7 years agoI am a big believer in two things when it comes to prospect evaluation: Waiting five years (unless we are discussing Connor McDavid) to make the final call on a player as a prospect, and counting arrows—good and bad—during those five years. A little over one year since his draft day, Caleb Jones is gathering good arrows by the bushel.
JONES!
In looking at Caleb Jones WHL offense last season, there is a line that jumps out. His even-strength primary points-per-game total is outstanding compared to other substantial offensive defensemen in the league. Here are the top 10 totals from the dub in 2015-16:
- Ivan Provorov .419
- Jason Fram .382
- Colby Williams .368
- Travis Sanheim .365
- Haydn Fleury .357
- Macoy Erkamps .347
- Jesse Lees .310
- Caleb Jones .306
- Brennan Menell .304
- Jake Bean .294
- Source
A couple of things: MOST of the men here are older players than Jones—the key men on this list are Ivan Provorov and Jones (2015 draft), Travis Sanheim and Haydn Fleury (2014 draft) and Jake Bean (2016 draft). Brennan Menell was eligible for the 2015 and 2016 drafts but was not chosen.
Jones presence on this list is impressive. His scouting bio did not imply a large amount of offense, and scouting reports are normally money in identifying skill sets.
- ISS scout Phil Myre: “Competitive defenseman, Plays with a lot of urgency, takes the body, competes.
He is a good skater with good mobility. Not creative, he can make a good
first pass. Work ethic will help his projection but not dominant in any
area”.
I think the offensive potential of this player (based on all the scouting reports we read before draft day) was probably undersold—and that is unusual. We will have to wait and see, but the arrows here are very encouraging. Remember, he was regarded as an able defender on draft day, with projectable size and good speed. Add offense? Bordering on a complete skill set—lacking only a power-play resume. Good arrows, early days.
JONES!
Caleb Jones was a revelation at the U.S. National Evaluation Camp, impressing the powers and hanging around after the first cuts.
- Coach Bob Motzko: “I had no feel for Caleb Jones coming in, but have been very impressed
with him. Great feet, wants to jump up, wants to get involved in
everything. Just needs to refine things a little bit. Two very promising
young guys back on the blue line.” Source - Caleb Jones: “I was at this camp last year and made the cut, so I was able to
experience it last year. So coming in this year, I have a
little bit of experience, which is nice, so I think I can be a little
bit of a leader for the guys younger than me too, because I’ve been here
before.” - Source
He also played very well at the recent World Junior Showcase, providing Team U.S.A. with solid play and smart decisions at both ends of the ice.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
Arrows. All we have is arrows. Caleb Jones delivered a bunch in year one and appears to be on a good path for year two. The Edmonton Oilers are famous for not getting value from the depths of the draft, as the team spent many years with no answer after Round 1.
Caleb Jones could be an answer to that question in the future. Miles to go. We wait.
Recent articles from Lowetide
