Way to early to say any of that, especially when he scored well for being on 2nd line and very little PP. he's got a lot of skills and has more speed the most power forwards. These are kids and a lot of the outplay there so called scouting reports. I remember them saying Jagr didn't have finesse to his game lol. Wait until he gets some time in the system before saying he doesn't have a tool box. Geesh. wonder what the critique would have been on Andy Mac, Kunitz, and other Guys who weren't drafted? No tool box, not big enough, AHL middle 6 player. It's fun to discuss what skills make them intriguing prospects, but guys develop to prove people wrong about their skills all the time (both good and bad).
I don't think it's wrong to point out areas in which Max could improve. He's a neat prospect, but he's got a long way to go. The comparison to Etem is fair, but the main problem with Etem was he was unwilling to change and when his usual strategy didn't work, he had nothing else. I can't really tell whether Max has the same kind of character as Etem from watching highlights of his game. Obviously, we'll have to wait and see.
This next year will be a much better indicator as to how much offensive skill Jones has. As others have mentioned, he got zero PP time and played on the 2nd/3rd line for a stacked London team. Hopefully he excels with greater ice time in the coming season. I could easily see him having a 40g 80-90p season.
Etem was a one-trick pony...Jones seems to have a much better array of talent and is certainly more physical.
Yes, next year will be very telling. Tbh, if I have concerns about Max then he's probably the right pick for us. We certainly don't need any "safe" picks, which Asplund and Howden would have been. Max is boom or bust and I think possibly getting a 20-20 2nd line power-forward is worth the risk of him becoming a bottom 6 grinder.
Etem had skills, but, yeah, even his highlight reel from his junior years shows the same old 'skate down the left side and fling a wrister on goal' strategy he continued to employ at the NHL level. Max's goals seem to come in a variety of ways and, with all due respect to Etem, Max seems to have a smarter head on his shoulders i.e. willing to evolve as he progresses through the levels.
