Unexpected Oilers forward making a push for regular NHL job
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
According to recent comments he made on The Jason Gregor Show host Jason Gregor believes forward Max Jones can be an effective bottom-6 player, if he can find consistency in his play.
Former-1st round pick has all the attributes to be regular in the Oiler's lineup
"When you see his speed, size, and wrist-shot," Jason Gregor said, "And you're like, this guy should be more. He is a practice player that makes you go, 'Wow'. I understand why he was a 1st-round pick...and why organizations are still interested in him."
It may just be that very interest from organizations over his career that has contributed to Max Jones' inconsistency, having played on three different teams over the last four years: Anaheim, Boston, and Edmonton.
As a 24th overall pick in 2016, Jones has a desirable blend of size, speed, and a good shot, traits that suggest he could be a more impactful player than his statistics indicate.
At his best, Jones is a physical, hard-hitting power forward who can be disruptive. However, his physicality and engagement level can also be inconsistent at times.
However, he did lead the Oilers in hits per 60 minutes at 5v5 after joining the team at the trade deadline in March, 2025, according to a HockeyViz report.
Max will be facing stiff competition in training camp, competing for a left-wing roster spot with Mattias Janmark, Kasperi Kapanen, Isaac Howard, Vasily Podkolzin, and Trent Frederic all ahead of him in the depth chart. Reports out of camp show Jones playing on a line with Noah Philp and Curtis Lazar.
Some believe that a fresh start in Edmonton, with a potentially more defined role alongside a familiar center like Adam Henrique, with whom he played during his time in Anaheim, could help Max Jones find more consistency.
Their previous success together, evidenced by a strong goal share when playing together for Anaheim in the 2023-24 season, suggests a possible improvement in consistency. In that season, Henrique scored 18G and Jones 5G in 52 games played.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 321 ANSWERS Unexpected Oilers forward making a push for regular NHL job Can you see Max Jones making the Oilers' lineup as a 4th-line winger? | ||
| yes | 148 | 46.1 % |
| no | 173 | 53.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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