Signing him has nothing to do with trading him. They still can.
Actually a two year deal might even increase his trade value
Of course...to be clear, I don't have a problem with the signing, I just don't think he has what it takes to make it in the NHL. Pionk was a much better skater with much faster feet.
Jones is a "heady" offensive defenseman who's small and likes to activate, but isn't great along the boards, doesn't have great foot speed, and doesn't have a great shot or elite vision/passing.
He's better than Ben Harpur, but that shouldn't be the barometer around here. Would prefer they find a team that thinks he has upside and acquire a young player back the other way who has skills but is raw and can be coached.
Maybe if he improves his skating and shooting by leaps and bounds, he could be something, but not really holding my breath.