BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The New York Islanders face the chance of losing forward Kyle Okposo to free agency. Potentially filling the void one day could be a player in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo. That player could be someone like Max Jones from the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League who the Islanders can see selecting with the 19th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Jones is no stranger to throwing around his 6’ 3” 205 lbs pound frame. In fact, that trait has seen his stock fall down slightly, following the Ontario Hockey League’s 12-game suspension. 
The Islanders, even with Okposo staying, have a need for a power forward. Their speed has been on display the past three seasons, but often have had trouble with more physical teams. Jones could give them a two-way player who brings size and the ability to score.
This past season he dished out 57 assists en route to a 67-point season in 45 games played. Last season he was on the US Development Team and was just under a point a game player. The one drawback is his consistency to draw over 100 penalty minutes each season. He will have to practice discipline to order to get to hockey’s highest level, the NHL.
Many pundits have ranked him as a Top 15 prospect, even in the Top 10, but his lack of mental strength and decision making seems to push him outside many teams’ willingness to take a chance on him.
The Islanders have a solid core of forwards and putting him next to someone like Johnathan Tavares could push them to the next level.
“With the 19th pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft the New York Islanders select, from the London Knights, Max Jones.”
Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_PHN and you can always reach him by email at adam.minnick@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.