Jones has been amazing for the Jackets this season. By far the most minutes, plays in all situations, 16 goals and top 10 in defenseman scoring. Great mobility and skill, and he truly takes advantage of that by playing such an active game. Constantly pinching and jumping into the play deep in the offensive zone. Great shot, and basically all of Jackets' PP-offense runs through him.
If there was a stat about breaking up plays in the neutral zone, I wouldn't be shocked if Jones ranked at the very top. He gives the opposition zero breathing room whey they try to break out, relentlessly on their skin breaking up plays and allowing the Jackets go other way (leads the team in defenseman corsi). He's got that NBA like condor-wingspan, remarkable reach and zone of coverage in the defensive zone. Active stick that sometimes comes out of nowhere to take away a sure goal from the opposition. A true #1 defenseman in both ends of the rink, just a horse.
Where to rank him though? That's tough to say. Frankly I haven't seen the same kind of separation this season from anyone that you saw last season. In this kind of years these rankings and awards are so narrative/reputation based. Playing in Columbus, Jones is not the front runner there, but I could honestly see him getting 1st place votes from someone who spends time watching him play (because there's no obvious winner or top 2/3 this year).
