Former Oilers defenceman Caleb Jones signs with rival team

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Liam McCormick
July 6, 2024 (10:27)

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Yesterday night, the Los Angeles Kings finalized a contract to sign former Oilers defenceman Caleb Jones to a one year contract for $775K.

Now 27 years old, Jones was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round of the 2015 Draft. He developed in the Oilers system, and played regularly with the team between 2019 and 2021. He's since played with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Colorado Avalanche and appeared in playoff games, but has also been bounced back to the AHL. Fans had high hopes for Jones as a prospect, but it hasn't turned out all too well in the NHL so far.

Jones' contract with the Los Angeles Kings is a two-way contract, which doesn't guarantee him NHL time. Based on the Kings' depth chart, Jones will be their 7th or 8th defenceman, likely only stepping in to fill in for injuries. He'll be a quality depth defenceman for a playoff-bound team, which is always a necessity.

The Kings are looking to seriously improve their team this season after being bounced by the Oilers three times in the first round. They've traded away Pierre Luc-Dubois for goaltender Darcy Kuemper, added to their bottom six forwards with Warren Foegele and Tanner Jeannot, and got bigger on defence with Joel Edmundson. If the Kings add one more star forward they could be a threat, but as of now, the Oilers would take care of business again in a playoff matchup.

Source: Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles Kings sign Caleb Jones