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Edmonton Oilers' Max Jones experiment needs to come to an end

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Apr 1 2025, 8:08 pm
Edmonton Oilers' Max Jones experiment needs to come to an end
Perry Nelson/Imagn Images

It’s been tough sledding for Max Jones early into his Edmonton Oilers tenure.

He was acquired by the Oilers near the deadline in a trade with the Boston Bruins that also saw Trent Frederic head to town.

Jones had spent the vast majority of the 2024-25 season in the AHL and was viewed as nothing more than a depth add. Due to a plethora of injuries, however, he’s been used pretty regularly, having suited up in 10 games with the Oilers thus far.

The 27-year-old impressed in his Oilers debut versus the Montreal Canadiens nearly a month ago, registering an assist along with two shots and three hits in what was a 3-2 overtime victory. Since then, it’s become quite clear why he’s struggled to get in NHL games this season.

Not only has Jones failed to register a point since his Oilers debut, but he’s been very poor defensively. The Flames’ opening goal on Saturday night provides a great example of his struggles.

While the effort from Jones on the back check can’t be faulted, he inexplicably loses his man in Yegor Sharangovich. Instead of staying with the Flames winger, he drifted towards the puck carrier in Nazem Kadri, leaving Sharangovich wide open to bury a rebound past Calvin Pickard.

This wasn’t a one-off for Jones, either. Several stats available via Natural Stat Trick show how poorly he is faring at both ends of the ice.

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Natural Stat Trick

The good news for the Oilers is that they are slowly starting to get healthy up front. Connor McDavid, Evander Kane, and Trent Frederic all participated in morning skate today, indicating that they are closing in on returns. Once even one is deemed good to go, that should result in Jones spending time in the press box, if not sent to the AHL.

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