name: Keith Jones
born: November 8, 1968
birthplace: Brantford, Ontario
height: 6-2
weight: 200 lbs.
drafted: Selected by the Washington Capitals in the seventh
round (141st pick overall) of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.
acquired: November 12, 1998, traded for Shjon Podein from Colorado Avalanche
Scouting Report:
1997-98 Season---Missed 58 games with knee injury
The Finesse Game
Jones, a grinder by trade, became a key goal scorer in his
first season in Colorado, and the Avalanche missed his
drive while he was on the shelf most of last season with a knee
injury. Jones doesn't have the greatest hands in the world,
but he has a good shot. Most of his power-play goals came
from within 10 feet of the net.He's a spark plug. He likes to make things happen by driving to the front of the net,taking a defenseman with him.His skating is adequate, and he uses quick bursts of speed to power himself to and through the traffic areas.
An eager finisher who plays well at both ends of the ice, Jones keeps the game simple and does his job. He isn't very creative, but his efforts churn up loose pucks for teammates smart enough to trail in his wake. He is the antithesis of a natural scorer because everything he accomplishes is through effort.
The Physical Game Jones is energetic and uses his size well. He is tough and willing to pay a physical price. He isn't the biggest player on the ice, but there are nights when you come away thinking he is. Jones finishes every check in every zone. He sometimes runs around a bit but he is becoming more responsible defensively.
The Intangibles Jones loves the game and knows what he has to do to stay in the lineup.
Projection No one deserves success more than the hard-working Jones. Players coming off surgery like his usually need a full year to regain their form. Jones should have a slow start but a better second half, though he may have a tough time hitting 20 goals.