The guy's a star.
His defense partner, Zach Werenski, deservedly gets most of the attention.
But Seth Jones is the anchor of the Blue Jackets' defense, a young and dynamic group that drives them both offensively and defensively. With more regularity (this is a good thing!), he's offering performances that demonstrate just how special of a player he is.
Case in point: last night against the Maple Leafs.
John Tortorella couldn't send him over the boards enough. Without Werenski, Jones teamed up with Markus Nutivaara – who played a stellar game – and played with a swagger and assertiveness that is on display when he's at his best. Jones can skate the puck out of trouble, protect it in dangerous areas and then escape using his legs, and he can command a power play from the center point.
Did we mention he's an excellent defender? He's the type of defenseman who defends well because, more often than not, he's moving the puck up the ice into the opponent's end.
Here's Tortorella on Jones' effort last night, a tremendous individual outing that highlighted an important win for the Blue Jackets:
"I look at Seth Jones tonight. He was a leader tonight. Our veteran guys played better. That’s the opportunity they have here, is to get us out of the jam we have. It’s an opportunity to try to get ourselves well.”
This is two-fold regarding Jones, because he's both part of the Jackets' young core and now, at age 23, one of their experienced guys. While his shot metrics weren't eye-popping last night (the Blue Jackets were scorched at even strength by the Leafs), Jones drew tough assignments and managed to make a difference offensively.
He broke the puck out of danger in the first period as a Toronto power play expired, then skated the length and peppered a wrist shot by Curtis McElhinney's glove to send the Blue Jackets into the break with a 2-0 lead. It was artistic.
Jones helped the Blue Jackets respond in the second period, getting a puck through on the power play that led to Pierre-Luc Dubois banging in a loose puck to make it 3-1.
With Werenski, Jones forms one of the best defense pairings in the NHL. Without him, make no mistake: he's a damn good player and one of the league's top young defensemen. There's a Norris Trophy in his future if he keeps this up.
LET'S TALK ABOUT STAR WARS (AGAIN)
I'm heading toward a fourth viewing of The Last Jedi in the next day or so.
I can't get enough of the movie.
Rian Johnson's storytelling is so good. Powerful, developed, unexpected and raw. It's a Star Wars movie that feels different than any other, which is probably why I like it so much. Unlike The Force Awakens, which had to please so many people, The Last Jedi stands on its own but also fits within this trilogy. It boldly steps into a new generation of Star Wars and gives us something to call our own.
YOU SHOULD BE READING
- The latest episode of "Behind the Battle" focuses on Josh Anderson and his hot start.
- Here's a solid recap of last night's much-needed win, courtesy of our own Sam Blazer.
- This SvoNotes is the best yet: Jeff Svoboda talks to Sean Selmser, who logged about 11 minutes in a Blue Jackets sweater many years ago.
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