Not many players drafted in the ninth round end up becoming top line forwards, but David Jones of the Avalanche is a rare exception.
In fact, Jones was almost never drafted; he was taken 288th overall out of 292 drafted players in the 2003 Entry Draft. But Avalanche brass saw something in him, and decided to use their late round Hail Mary pick on him.
Right now, he's making them look like geniuses.
Originally an injury call up late in the 2008 season, the 25-year-old Jones has managed to stick in the Avalanche line-up due to his large frame and straight away speed.
But he's beginning to show he also has some scoring touch, compiling seven goals (two short-handed) and 11 points through 18 games this season. He's recently been bumped up to the top line with Paul Stastny and Wojtek Wolski as a result of his strong play.
He's also been one of the Avalanche's biggest hitters, second most among Avalanche forwards. Even though he throws his body around, he's only racked up two penalty minutes all season, and only 18 in his 85 career games.
This is the kind of player you rebuild with.
Too often in recent me ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by James Crider
Colorado Avalanche: David Jones Proving To Be Late-Round Gem
November 19th, 2009 by James Crider Leave a reply »
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