Seth Jones, acquired from the Nashville Predators in a trade for Ryan Johansen was always going to have the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Having gone from a middle-pairing/bottom pairing defensemen in Nashville, to the bonafide number one defensemen in Columbus, it would have been acceptable to have growing pains.
That isn't Jones. By the end of the 2016-17 season, he would turn in one of the best performances by a defensemen in the franchise's history.
What did we expect?
After about half of a season with the Blue Jackets, Jones had already made a great mark with the team. Hovering around a half a point per game pace with good shot differential numbers, Jones made his mark as the number one defensemen early.
The expectation was that he would play with Ryan Murray, like they had done at the World Cup of Hockey. During the time they played together last season both were successful and it seemed like the logical pairing to enter the season. Jones would help elevate his game while playing with his future partner for the next decade.
What did we get?
The emergence of Zach Werenski thanks in part to Jones.
His play helped spark Jones' season and it pushed Ryan Murray down the depth chart. Taking the reigns as the partner of Jones, both were able to flourish.
Used mostly on the second unit of the power play, Jones didn't put up earth shattering numbers there. He only had seven points on the man advantage this year. Compared to the 35 points he got at even strength, it is an impressive ratio that only means good things for the Blue Jackets.
His shot differential numbers were also great, right near the top of the team on defense. He is proving that he is a difference maker on both ends of the ice. The Blue Jackets have always wanted a top-tier defensemen and in the matter of a season they got two.
The scary part is the level of play that he can reach next. He is just about to come into his prime and he is already one of the top defensive players in the game. Where his game can get to is going to be an intriguing storyline to follow. Will his numbers improve on the score sheet or will it be in his underlying numbers?
Either way, signs of growth on a player this good is a salivating thought.
| GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PPG | PPP | SHG | SHP | GWG | OTG | S | S% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REGULAR SEASON | 75 | 12 | 30 | 42 | 6 | 24 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 152 | 7.9 |
| PLAYOFFS | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 | -4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
Memorable Moment
Jones had plenty of moments that made you stop and shake your head in amazement. The moment that sticks out is a deeper cut that many won't remember.
Against the Dallas Stars, Jones showed off his offensive skills and with one shot won the Blue Jackets the game. It was a hell of an individual effort and a play only a select few in the league can make.
Skating away from the defense with only an opening the size of a puck. Jones somehow makes it through this crowd to win the game. An early November game is inconsequential but this goal surely isn't.
It showcases everything he is as a player. What a player to have on the Blue Jackets' roster.
Contract Status
According to CapFriendly.com, Jones has five years remaining on a six-year, $32 million deal he signed this past summer after being traded to the Blue Jackets in January 2016. The average annual salary of Jones' contract is $5.4 million.
| GRADE | A- |
