Greetings Duck fans,
I'm a London Knight season ticket holder (and the self-anointed president of the Max Jones' fan club) who's here to contribute to the discussion on Max Jones although I think some posters have already identified correctly Jones' greatest attributes and limitations.
He was a second-line winger on a stacked London Knights' team and would get some playing time near the tail end of a PP.
STRENGTHS: He has explosive speed, physically mature at 18 = a beast, hard shot, and at the risk of sounding cliche, he gives 110% every shift = energizer bunny 2.0. As well, he likes to play a physical game, and has indeed delivered some thunderous body checks. Plays on the edge as some of those 'checks' have resulted in suspensions (e.g. check to the head). Despite his proclivity to be physical, I don't recall him getting into any fights; thus far, that's not part of his game.
WEAKNESSES: He tries to do too much himself = doesn't use his teammates well--a point that other posters have mentioned. Jones is definitely not the 'playmaker type'; he has tunnel vision and his hockey I.Q. needs work. He also developed quite the reputation for embellishment which drew the ire of opposing players, fans, and also didn't escape the notice of referees. You will often see him put his glove to his face or snap his head back to draw a penalty--he really needs to tone that down.
INTANGIBLES: the kid has a great sense of humour, the team comedian in many ways. E.g. his goal celebration last season with teammate Cliff Pu received national attention on Sportsnet. Jones and Pu combined to score a shorthanded goal, and they skated towards one another removed their right glove, and shook hands--rather comical. Perhaps you guys can google it and take a look.
JONES' BREAKOUT MOMENT: London and Sarnia played a home and home on or around New Years. London was short players who were off playing at the World Juniors (e.g. Marner, Dvorak, Tkachuk, Juolevi), and in their absence, Jones stepped up big time. Both games went into overtime, and Jones simply schooled the highly touted prospect, Jacob Chychrun. In the first game, Jones had the puck along the boards in the Sarnia zone with Chychrun closing in. Jones spun past him, went in alone and scored. In the second game of the home and home, Jones used his explosive speed to blow past Chychrun, went in on a breakaway and ended the game in style once again.
I apologize for being needlessly prolix, but that should give you guys an understanding of what you can expect from Jones.
Now do me a favour, and send him back to London!
I appreciate the write-up.