Photo Credit: Chris Maher
How many people with a show of hands thought Martin Jones would be putting up great numbers for the Flyers? Not many, but Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher signed free agent Martin Jones to a one-year deal, worth $2 million. He has a tremendous 6’4 frame, and he ever gives up on a play. Jones is athletic, and durable. Jones played in 60+ games each of his first four seasons for the San Jose Sharks. San Jose made the choice to buyout the remaining three years of his contract, as Jones’s numbers have been in a decline the past few years, and it’s turning out he had revenge on his mind from San Jose buying him out. Why some will say? Well, he has played good hockey for the Flyers.
While the Jones’ signing seems to have upgraded the Flyers goaltending, he is happy and always credits his teammates for his performance, even after laying the gauntlet on the Washington Capitals, “I feel good,” Jones said following the game against the Washington Capitals. “The team is playing well, and defending well. PK is playing well, good recipe for a goalie.”
Philadelphia was banking on a familiar face in Kim Dillabaugh, the team’s goaltending coach and former coach of Jones’s to restore his confidence to make him flourish once again. Good news folks, it appears to be happening as Jones has endured a rebound season sort of speak.
The Sharks would not have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2016 without Jones. Jones kicked butt that entire playoffs, and that’s what he brings to the young Carter Hart. A winning pedigree is what Hart needed most.
Jones has not had his best years the past few years, as he posted a 3.28 GAA, and a .896 Save Percentage in 34 games played last season for starters, but maybe he has revenge on his mind this season.
He has had a solid season, and really has increased his trade value after yesterday’s game. Jones moved post to post laterally well, and gobbled up the rebounds. For his effort, Jones finished yesterday’s game making 33 saves on 35 shots faced, which was good enough for a .943 Save Percentage. Moreover, Jones has a .900 Save Percentage in limited starts this season, which isn’t bad for as bad as the Flyers have been. Jones has been a solid backup to Carter Hart.
Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher signed free agent Martin Jones to a one-year deal, worth $2 million. He has a tremendous 6’4 frame, and he never gives up on a play. Jones is athletic, and durable. Jones played in 60+ games each of his first four seasons for the San Jose Sharks. San Jose made the choice to buyout the remaining three years of his contract, as Jones’s numbers have been in a decline the past few years, and it’s turning out he had revenge on his mind from San Jose buying him out. Why some will say? Well, he has endured a bounce back season for the Flyers.
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For his efforts, Jones is really placing himself on the trade market. There is a strong market for his services, most notably the Calgary Flames. Many contending teams could use help at the Goaltending position. Jones would likely fetch a fourth or fifth rounder, which is quite attractive for clubs in contention.
