April 3, 2008
Jones Signs With Wild
CHN Staff Report
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Miami senior Ryan Jones has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Wild, the team that held his draft rights.
Jones just finished his college career with a loss to Boston College in the NCAA Northeast Regional final. In the immediate aftermath, Jones said he wasn't sure if he would sign with Minnesota this year, because it wouldn't feel right. But he changed his mind by the middle of the week.
Jones was named to the Hobey Hat Trick on Wednesday as well. The Hobey Hat Trick is comprised of the top three vote getters among the 10 finalists. The winner is known, but not announced until the Frozen Four.
Jones, 23, had 49 points (31-18—49) and 83 penalty minutes in 42 games this season. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound forward added seven game-winning goals and 11 power-play tallies and ranked second in the NCAA in goals and tied for seventh in scoring.
The Chatham, Ontario, finished his career second on Miami's all-time goal scoring list and never missed a game during his four-year collegiate career, serving as team captain the last two seasons.
Jones was selected by Minnesota in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He will be assigned to the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League.
As per club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Can't wait to see him in the home red with 18,000 chearing him on.
Apr 3 2008, 1:01 am by Joe, St. Paul
Sweet.
Apr 3 2008, 10:38 am by 9>7
I find it interesting that as good and big as Jones is he was shipped to the AHL already. I think this should be a note to all underclassmen looking to jump. The jump from college probably lands you i the AHL not the NHL.
Apr 3 2008, 12:47 pm by Joe, Deerfield NH
I agree. Can't wait to see him on the Wild! Great player with class. Maybe he'll rub off on Simon? :)
Apr 3 2008, 12:53 pm by JM, Minneapolis
Joe, I think just about all college players realize that they'll be playing in the AHL before the NHL. Only a select few (typically those drafted in the top-10 overall) ever make the jump straight to the NHL. Also, your comment has me thinking that you might be classifying Jones as an underclassman. However, he just finished his senior season so it wasn't a matter of if he was going to sign, rather it was when would he sign. Hopefully he finishes out the season strong in AAA and, who knows, maybe he'll be with the Wild before we know it.
Apr 3 2008, 4:25 pm by Sam, Mankato MN
I think the Fargo kid will make it to the Wild before Jones. It is very obvious Lemar likes his younger less experienced players to be developed in Houston before moving into the NHL. Jones was a good college player and obviously made the right decision to stay in college. Hopefully this will be a sign to the WCHA juniors to stay one more year.
Apr 3 2008, 8:34 pm by
I can't wait to see Jones in the NHL playing for the Wild .He is going to be great .
Apr 4 2008, 1:37 pm by LW Oxford,Ohio
jones should be a real nice player for the wild in a few years. not disappointed to see him go to Houston, as even Okposo even had to go to the minors for some seasoning.
Apr 6 2008, 9:37 am by craig, burnsville
