Player evaluation: Jones

RANDY JONES Jones mug
This season: 48 games, 5 goals, 16 assists, 28 penalty minutes, 18:10 average ice time.
The good: Claimed off waivers early in the season, Jones, early on, looked as though he might allow the Kings to duplicate the surprising success they had last season, in plucking Kyle Quincey off the waiver wire. Jones had four goals and five assists in his first 11 games with the Kings. At his best, Jones has strong puck-moving skills and can be an asset on the blue line on the power play.
The bad: Consistency was a problem for Jones, and his play dipped rather severely after he returned from the “upper-body injury” he sustained in December after a big hit from Edmonton’s Dustin Penner. Jones’ game is based on movement, but too often, he didn’t get his feet moving and made poor decisions with the puck that turned into turnovers.
Going forward: Jones is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and given the depth of defensemen in the Kings’ system, it’s hard to imagine they would feel the need for Jones to return. Terry Murray talked about Jones’ potential to be a top-four defenseman in the NHL, so there’s probably a spot for him in the league somewhere, but it’s doubtful that he fits with the Kings going forward.


96 Comments

  1. Bruce says:

    Initially a good acquisition because he was contributing offensively and Philly was picking up half of his salary, his game tailed off quickly. Not very good defensive awareness, slow afoot, and a turnover machine. He was this season’s #1 whipping boy. Time to get a real defenseman to pair with JJ instead of dumpster diving. Do not re-sign at any cost.

    [Reply]

  2. Sebastian says:

    FAIL!

    [Reply]

    kennynakamoto Reply:

    @Sebastian,

    BIG TIME FAIL!!!!!!!!!!!! I HATE YOU JONES!!!!!!! DONT COME BACK NEXT YEAR

    [Reply]

    Sebastian Reply:

    @kennynakamoto, HAHAHA! I know he’s your favorite player Kenny.

    [Reply]

    kennynakamoto Reply:

    @Sebastian,

    lol shut up sebastian i hate that guy!!!! brad hates him to!!! whats up with your cousin man he never talks about hockey anymore

    Larry Reply:

    @Sebastian,
    This guy was an absoulte bust. He made Tom Preising look like a star and he was probably the biggest disappointment in Kings history! Go bye and Good Riddence Mr. Jones. Maybe the KHL is a good place for you….

    [Reply]

  3. Chig says:

    C. He is what we all thought he would be, useful on the PP but a disaster on the defensive side of things. He is what he for a waiver pickup…

    [Reply]

  4. the Kings Need to Get Tough and Drop the Gloves says:

    I never understood the reason for plucking the guy off waivers from Philly. Harrold is a much better D-man than Jones, and that’s saying a whole lot.

    Hopefully guys like Campell and Teubert will make an impressive showing and crack the line-up, since the Kings could really use a mean SOB or two on the back end.

    [Reply]

    Mike L Reply:

    @the Kings Need to Get Tough and Drop the Gloves,

    Teubert and Campbell aren’t ready yet for NHL. Teubert still needs work on his defensive positioning and Campbell needs another year in AHL or so.

    [Reply]

    Quisp Reply:

    @TKMTGTADTG @Mike L,

    Muzzin

    [Reply]

  5. Cutty Sarkn3ss says:

    EPIC FAIL!

    [Reply]

  6. Buster says:

    There is no grade low enough for him, BUT if I had to give him one out of these, it’s get the F out of here.

    [Reply]

    Dan H. Reply:

    @Buster,

    A little harsh but it did make me LOL.

    [Reply]

    Newf Reply:

    @Dan H., ditto.

    Take a hike you bum!

    [Reply]

  7. puck73 says:

    obviously the guy really struggled in the 2nd half of this season. I would seriously doubt he would be back next season although it was interesting that Rich said that Randy was playing with an injury in the 2nd half of the season. Could that have affected his play ? Possibly, if so then he will really have to make an impression at camp, or he might even be released, or traded before then.

    [Reply]

  8. LMD says:

    Rich, I think the ‘F’ button should be the only option here. Maybe even ‘F -’.

    [Reply]

  9. Rachel says:

    Talk about making someone a SCAPE GOAT.

    Can I remind you that half the mistakes he made the other boys made as well? Or do they get a pass because they score goals. Come on guys. I gave him a C+.

    Yes when he made mistakes they were MONUMENTAL. BUT he made some clutch saves too.

    I’d like to see him back personally. I think with some work with the other guys he can come back ready to prove you all wrong.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Rachel, you must either be his wife or his sister? He had one save. He’s not quick enough, he gets caught in the head lights when a forward is rushing towards him on the forecheck and he take doesn’t get back nearly as quickly as he should. What else is there for a Dman? He takes the right angles? He makes a tape-to-tape on the breakout? I’m not even sure he did any of these consistently good either! I gave him a D+, as did most of us. And only because I feel that even to just get on an NHL roster, you don’t deserve an “F”.

    [Reply]

    Rachel Reply:

    @Stuart,

    Neither. I’m a FAN.
    Unlike half the people that comment on this website.
    I see potential. I’m not ready to give the guy up just yet.

    [Reply]

    Forum67 Reply:

    @Rachel,

    Short of a guarantee that if Jones came back he would prove me wrong in abysmal assessment of him (and how could I get a guarantee) I sincerely hope you do not get your wish that he return. And I am pretty sure you won’t get your wish. But as long as it’s not me, I have no problem with someone being willing to carry Jones’ water.

    [Reply]

  10. SoftDumpnChase says:

    He still gives me nightmares!

    [Reply]

  11. Dan H. says:

    I hope he knows better than to read this thing. I wouldn’t put anyone through that.

    He started out ok but went downhill in a hurry.

    I wish him well wherever he goes because he wasn’t an asshat or anything. He just never materialized into what TM hoped.

    I gave him a solid D.

    [Reply]

    wavesinair Reply:

    @Dan H., I dunno, maybe he was an ass-hat. But I’m thinking that isn’t a good thing…

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @wavesinair, what ever are…asshats? LOL

    [Reply]

  12. Kevin Allen says:

    A solid acquisition, but his play in the playoffs was iffy at best. He’s got a lot of talent and the potential to be a very solid D-man, especially in the new NHL, but needs to gain some confidence and learn to make smarter decisions. i wish him the best of luck.

    [Reply]

  13. Lewes says:

    I was really excited the first couple of games because he scored a few goals and I was hoping for another diamond in the rough scenario. Much to my disappointment his play after those first couple games was sloppy and his defensive awareness is next to none. I have no desire to see him wearing a Kings uni next year. Please send him away

    [Reply]

  14. Howe 9 says:

    I’m sure he tried his best & that the injury may have caused some of his downfall. I would not give him an F.
    He’s an NHL player & we are not. Good luck Randy.

    [Reply]

  15. Darrell says:

    You know you had a bad year when you lose your spot to a draft pick.

    [Reply]

  16. src says:

    See ya

    [Reply]

  17. Ghaad says:

    I gave him a C. He was good pre injury and came back and looked a step slow. With some off season rest he will come back at full speed and do much better on another team I’m sure.

    [Reply]

  18. Kevco says:

    Reminds of the last time Modry was on the team. He really struggles to bring the puck out of his zone when starting behind the net.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Kevco, Modry was a turn-over FACTORY!!! Seriously, there were times when I thought he was on every other teams payroll, the way he gave them the puck. There was no upside to Modry. I felt bad for Philly when the picked him up. Please, please please, NO-MO Modry! Even Jones wasn’t that bad. If I ever had to give Modry a grade, I’d have to give him an “F” for the “F”INGER!

    [Reply]

    boy1der Reply:

    @Stuart, and @Kevco
    wow. I know you guys don’t like Modry, but in his last season here he was our BEST d-man. When he was paired with JJ, they were the best pairing we had AND was a better influence on JJ than Blake EVER was. If you don’t like Modry, then fine. but you seriously must not remember his last season here. He wasn’t the best ever, but everyone else on the blue-line that season was FAR worse.

    [Reply]

  19. Rachel says:

    Talk about making someone a scape goat.

    I agree when he made mistakes they were MONUMENTAL.But he also made some clutch saves. Can I remind you that the other guys made some of the same mistakes. I guess they get a pass because they score goals? I gave him a solid C+.

    I’d personally like to see him back next season. I think with some work over the off season with the other guys he can really improve and be the d we need him to be.
    I hope we keep him so he can come back next season and prove you all wrong.

    [Reply]

    Jen Reply:

    @Rachel,
    you took the words right out of my mouth.
    Except with nicer language.

    [Reply]

  20. wavesinair says:

    He has all the physical tools. The biggest problem with his game is between his ears. Determination and a sports psychologist could help him reach his potential. He comes across like a cool dude, so I wish him well.

    [Reply]

    Jen Reply:

    @wavesinair,
    He is a ‘cool dude’ as you put it.
    I was thinking more along the lines of confidence instead of determination.

    [Reply]

    wavesinair Reply:

    @Jen, He comes across as a bit lazy to me (in comparison to other NHL players)…so that’s the determination part. The shrink is for the lack of confidence and perhaps a better mindset or mental preparation. He needs to get out of his head, which is why I believe so much emphasis was made on him moving his feet. Moving in and of itself is meaningless. It’s what it did to his head that helped him. Standing still = thinking too much.

    [Reply]

    iansez Reply:

    @wavesinair, a shrink would only introvert him and “shove him in his head”, it’s how they roll. Hockey is too quick for that, you just gotta perceive, know and do.. I see him ending up in Tampa or Columbus, somewhere like that..

  21. 5buckcolonnadeticket says:

    The only reason he gets an F is because there is no way to give him a G.

    There’s no sugarcoating it though Rich tries hard to find something nice to say. I don’t buy the injury — is it an injury to keep passing to the wrong team? Easily the worst player on this year’s roster. Just horrible.

    [Reply]

    King John Reply:

    @5buckcolonnadeticket,

    G for Ghastly?

    [Reply]

  22. Andy says:

    Drewiski was more inconsistent than this kid?…I don’t think so.

    [Reply]

  23. Minnesota Kings Fan says:

    When I saw it was Jones’ turn to be graded, all I could think was, “This is the one the Jones-haters have been waiting for!” I checked the grades immediately and was not surprised. The “F” grades are, I believe, completely unwarranted. Jones a “failure?” No. I don’t believe he deserves near the heat he’s received, especially since after the Olympics. At his best, he is an average defenseman with slightly above-average offensive skills. Sadly, we did not get to see him at his best after his great start.

    I gave him a C (would have been a C- if minus grades were a choice). Again, I thought he had a great start, and like Rich said, had visions of perhaps another Kyle Quincey waiver pickup, but he quickly leveled-off to an average-to-slightly-below average NHL defenseman, depending on the game. I think the Penner hit did more than we realize to Jones, either physically or to Jones’ psyche (or both?), and I think we would have seen a different player if it had not happened – same as with Williams’ injury. In my estimation, this was a fairly clear turning point in his play. he was not the same after that. It was almost amusing to see how people waited for him to make any mistake, minor or major, so they could jump all over him on this blog, frequently ignoring the same mistakes made by other Kings.

    Either way, I cut him a little slack because of that incident, and because no one will ever get me to believe a large portion of the Kings’ woes rest on his shoulders, as it often appears is the prevailing “wisdom” among some posters here. I’d almost bet some Jones-haters believe he’s responsible for for that oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, too, the way some people talk! He was not great, to be sure, but in my opinion he was certainly NOT a failure. He has certainly been a scapegoat, though.

    [Reply]

    Rachel Reply:

    @Minnesota Kings Fan,

    I’m sending you chocolates.
    You said this with perfection.

    [Reply]

    Jen Reply:

    @Rachel,
    a big one. i’m pitching in.
    and some beer, or whatever else I can get to Minn.
    You said it better than I ever could have, and I’ve been trying to figure out how to say it properly. Its like you’ve been poking around in my head and put it into coherent thoughts.

    [Reply]

    Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:

    @Rachel,

    I like See’s Candies – soft centers :-)

    [Reply]

    wavesinair Reply:

    @Minnesota Kings Fan, I heard that Jone’s skate blade cut the oil line causing the leak. Not true?

    [Reply]

    jammer06 Reply:

    @wavesinair,
    Nope to slice it he would have to move his feet, based on the evidence he’s never done such a thing

    [Reply]

    Ersberg Reply:

    @Minnesota Kings Fan,

    For what he makes, for he gave, he get an “F”. There’s no way anything better can be justified.

    [Reply]

    Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:

    @Ersberg,

    I don’t rate players based on salary; it’s about performance. Also, the Kings ELECTED to pick him up – he didn’t negotiate or promise the Kings anything in order to play for them. Blame DL and TM if you hate Jones so much. There – I justified it.

    [Reply]

    Ersberg Reply:

    @Minnesota Kings Fan,

    Actually, I was just trying to soften up the debate by adding in the salary comment.

    He just plains sucks. There – I cleared that up.

    He’s the offensive version Gauthier.

    variable Reply:

    @Minnesota Kings Fan,

    great take on jonesy…

    i gave him a “d+”…for all the same reasons that you had stated…i thought of giving him a “c-” but there was no option and a thought that the errors in his game that you…and WAVES (and some others)…have pointed out are a lil’ bit more taxing on his overall performance…

    WAVES touched on something that i think is rather a delicate issue…and that is the psyche of the pro athlete and how they remain confident…

    without knowing him or any other kings personally for that matter, i wonder how many on the team actually utilize the services of a motivational counselor/psychologist/etc….?

    some could argue that that is what the coaching staff is there for – to be parental and instructive while nurturing…well…mike keenan anyone…?…i know the flipside to keenan in reputation would be mike babcock…(both have sports psychology degrees)…but both are pretty intense and hardcore…

    jonesy’s defensive lapses were well=-known before he was picked up…and if they weren’t know before, they definitely are now…

    i wish him the best, as well…

    [Reply]

    Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:

    @variable,

    My C and your D+ balances out to the C- we both would have chosen :-)

    [Reply]

    rontheking Reply:

    @Minnesota Kings Fan,
    I’m not sure how he got out to that oil platform and back, but I’m sure he was loudly cursing all of us kings fans as he did it. I do wish him well though…maybe he can play for the oilers.

    Forum67 Reply:

    @Minnesota Kings Fan,

    I confess to seriously not being a fan of Randy Jones. And since I don’t have access to a functioning crystal ball I have no way of knowing what difference, if any, it would have made to the Kings season had Jones never become a member of the Kings.

    What I do know is in the last part of the season whenever Jones had the puck in our defensive zone and he was pressured by an opposing player I feared he would cough the puck up and he often did.

    What I do know is I was even nervous when Jones held the puck behind the net and wasn’t pestered by ANY forecheckers and he gave me ample reason to be nervous.

    And what I do know is that the two games we won in the playoffs Jones wasn’t in the lineup. In the four that we lost, he was. What does that prove? Certainly nothing scientific. But does it feed my superstitious nature (something, by the way that many hockey fans and most hockey players have – can you say playoff beards)? YES!

    I have no objection to Jones getting another shot with ANOTHER team next season. I just know that if the Kings are going to move from being a good team to an elite team, something any Kings fan should want, they sure as heck won’t have it happen with Randy Jones being one of their top six defensemen.

    [Reply]

  24. Hazen says:

    Adios Muchacho!

    [Reply]

  25. edwood2 says:

    I would like to split the bad grade with TM. He deserves at least half the blame for continually playing him when two healthy d men were scratched.

    [Reply]

    BringBackTheShieldJersey Reply:

    @edwood2, too true!

    [Reply]

  26. Marc Nathan says:

    so when the press release hits that Lombardi has re-signed Randy Jones to a one year contract for 2010-11, will some of you jump off a cliff and never post again?

    LOL

    (I gave him a D, and don’t want him back, but the mancrush that certain people in the organ-eye-zation had for him makes it so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him back come training camp.)

    [Reply]

    Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:

    @Marc Nathan,

    LOL!!

    [Reply]

  27. john r says:

    D+. He will be playing for another team next year, and he will probably burn us. The usual routine for players that stink here and move on.

    [Reply]

  28. jammer06 says:

    I gave him a C, the injury definitely hurt him bad. Also TM was trying to make him a top 4 but he’s really not top 4 on a playoff team, or at least not consistent enough to be top 4 with a 23 yo partner who’s got an ego. He’s at best a 5-6 who gets to play on the PP. For what he was and is if he put forth effort like Harrold did every time he hit the ice the complaints would be far less. Maybe if he cured cancer he would move up to A-rod likeability.

    [Reply]

  29. MyNameIsJonesToo says:

    Jones was good. Then bad. Then down right ugly. He’ll find a nice home in NY this summer making 3-5 million and leaving us all wondering why the RANGERS don’t fire everyone who works for them.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @MyNameIsJonesToo, ..The Rangers lol ! They piss away more money then the federal government and go nowhere. And the funny part is that the media and their fans still dont understand how to build an organization from the bottom up. How Sather hasnt been fired is anybody’s guess. You can be sure that Brian Burke will soon be on the hot seat in Toronto as their fans and media dont get it either.

    [Reply]

  30. Sev The Kings Fan From Montreal says:

    I watched 81 of the 82 games this season. Except the first 5-10 games he played, every time Jones had the puck, I was very nervous. Enough said! :)

    [Reply]

  31. TradedForAPick says:

    While he obviously wasn’t the source for all the Kings’ problems it just became glaringly obvious he wasn’t bringing anything to the table when all eyes were on the team during the strecth run and playoffs. Initially it did look like Kyle Quincey v.2 (who would of been nice to have but oh well) but yeah, he tailed off. At first he looked like a great offensive D-man but (unlike Quincey) he didn’t bring much D. Then the offense left and everyone could just blame him for not producing or playing D well. Sadly, that’s what happened near the end. He wasn’t quick making decisions, quick on defense, or quick in general.

    He looked like a B when they got him, then a D near the end. He would of gotten a C- if I could of given him one. Gets a D+ since the problems came on when the Kings really needed everyone to step up.

    [Reply]

  32. variable says:

    and like some of you who have already stated…randy jones is not the sole problem with this team…no doubt, he contributed to some of the more problematic play…but to put the blame solely on his shoulders is wrong…

    [Reply]

    Shant Reply:

    @variable, although he wasn’t a sole problem, he was single handedly responsible for at least 5 to 6 losses with horrible play and passing and also is the reason that we lost in OT in a playoff game. That’s more than enough to give him an F but yes I agree with you and everyone else here.

    [Reply]

  33. jpizzle313 says:

    Did any one notice we lost all 4 playoff games he played!!

    enough said dont bring jones back DD is better! im looking forward to any one else! prospects or free agent!

    big Fat Fail here

    [Reply]

    Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:

    @jpizzle313,

    By that logic…

    Kopitar and Doughty played in all four games the Kings lost.

    Kopitar failed to get a hat trick in all the games in all the games the Kings lost.

    It isn’t all one player’s fault.

    [Reply]

    BarbieDoll 313 Reply:

    @jpizzle313, Hi JP!

    [Reply]

  34. nykingfan says:

    D

    He wasn’t the worst player in the history of the game as some have tried to make him out to be.
    He played well early in the season and contributed a couple of big goals including at least 1 game GW.
    His work on the 2nd PP unit was pretty good early.
    The problem was the 2nd half of the year he was pretty poor at times.
    I don’t see any need for the Kings to bring him back next year. Same reason as I gave for Harrold. we have guys in the system who hopefully can step up. They’ve gotten professional experience and should be ready for the next level shortly.

    [Reply]

  35. B says:

    Jones:to-4 dman :: fukufuji:vezina contender

    [Reply]

    B Reply:

    @B,

    *top

    [Reply]

    concussionman Reply:

    @B,

    Ratis getting the Rocket Richard trophy will happen before this guy is a top 4 d-man.

    [Reply]

  36. Goring 19 says:

    D also, last year we got Quincy on waivers and he was a pleasant surprise. This year we get Jones and well…
    To paraphrase Forrest Gump, “waiver players are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get”

    [Reply]

  37. Dean Youngblood says:

    “but it’s doubtful that he fits with the Kings going forward.”

    AMEN.

    [Reply]

  38. Lisa says:

    I think Rich’s evaluation is fair. I know fans (including my husband) have been totally harsh on this guy. I agree, he’s made some really atrocious decisions (or non-decisions) with the puck, but on the other hand, I saw some good plays in the playoff games at Staples. That said, I don’t think he has a place in next year’s lineup, but I’m not sure he deserves a F. Maybe a D+. And who knows, perhaps his injury was what got him down this year.

    [Reply]

  39. Thanatossassin says:

    I wouldn’t write the guy’s career off just yet. I think the flyers had the right idea in mind in putting him in the minors. If we could get him with a very low 2 way contract, he could prove to be very useful one day. BIG IF though. A ‘B’ for his strong offensive start, ‘F’ for the inconsistency at the end that essentially lost game 1 in the playoffs… JONES! JONESSS!!!!!! — Belloc, Raiders of the Lost Ark

    [Reply]

  40. KingsFan19 says:

    Grade: D

    Unfortunately, even with alot of us giving him the “D”, his “D” still isn’t good enough. 2nd half injury affected his performance negatively, but if memory serves…his play was already slipping.

    Do I wish him ill, No. But I don’t really “want” to see him back in a Kings jersey next season. If he does come back, he better perform to a much higher level.

    [Reply]

  41. Steve S. says:

    Awful. A turnover machine. Marginal offensive contribution in comparison to his defensive liability.

    “D”

    [Reply]

  42. concussionman02 says:

    God I hope this disaster is done with the Kings.

    Rich, you should have had an additional score option just for Jones. Giving him a “F” rating is to generous. A “G” or an “H” would have been more appropriate.

    [Reply]

  43. YeahWhatever says:

    The silence was always deafening when he played well, and the response jubilant whenever an on-ice error occured that the superfans could jerryrig to make all his fault.

    I’m truly embarassed by the fact that this total lack of objectivity and vicious malignant carping on a single player continues in the post-season. There is no way all of these hateful comments have anything to do with hockey or this player’s ability.

    This is a guy who was so excited to play for us from the start, then had to listen to the boos and jeers through the end of the season and today. Was his confidence affected to the point that he made some mistakes? Probably. Is it his job to move past it and work at keeping a gameface and a winning attitude for the franchise? Definitely. Was it worth it to play with an excellent team and great coaches (who all knew him, liked him and valued him, despite the “expert” consensus here) in front of a crowd of petty jealous “fans” that raced online to smear him at each opportunity? We’ll see.

    He did his job the best he could under the circumstances, despite the hateful fans and injuries that the rest of us should thank our lucky stars we never feel. He’s a pro and deserves respect and consideration for what he actually brings to the game & his team -not the artificial magnification of any real or perceived mistakes. He did make a valuable contribution to this team and to the fact that we went into the post-season.

    That said, he gets a B from me. But that’s only because I was actually paying attention to what was happening on the ice instead of waiting around to hop on the bully bandwagon after the games. I hope he is re-signed. Although I can’t imagine why he’d want to.

    [Reply]

    Michael J Reply:

    @YeahWhatever, Very well said. There are only 200 defensemen in the NHL, and they are the 200 best in the world at what they do. Jones is one of them. If the Kings don’t re-sign him he will end up on another club.

    It would be nice to see some maturity out there, especially those who love to hate. Those who speak in that manner do not reflect the thoughts and attitudes of the overwhelming majority of Kings fans.

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @YeahWhatever, I agree with your post other than the grade. I think Jones was ok for a 5 or 6 D-man, but because he was a veteran TM played him 4th D-man minutes. He was not responsible for all his +/- allowed goals, but I do feel as an offensive D-man he may have come up short in some one on one defensive zone battles.
    So I will say this as a 4th D-Man my grade is D+, but as a 6th D-Man his grade is a C+. As for re-signing him I think he wants 3+ Mil/yr? I think the organization is better off looking at some of its youth, I can think of 8+ prospects that deserve an NHL look Drewiske, Harold, Hickey, Muzzin, Piskula, Kolomatis, Voynov, Tuebert, & maybe even Bagnell or Campbell. We are loaded with Dmen prospects its getting to the try’em or loose’m point for some of them.

    [Reply]

    Jen Reply:

    @YeahWhatever,
    okay you’ve been poking around in my head and putting all the thoughts/feelings i’ve had for the past six months into a coherent setting.
    I owe you chocolate. or beer. or something. I thought I was the only one who gave him a B. It was ridiculous putting up with everything people said once they learnt who’s jersey I was wearing…

    [Reply]

    Forum67 Reply:

    @YeahWhatever,

    I have two questions for you.

    1. Would you like to see the Kings move from being merely a good team to an elite team?

    2. If your answer was yes to No. 1, do you think with Jones as one of their big minute defensemen they could achieve elite status?

    [Reply]

    Kings Fan In Idaho Reply:

    @YeahWhatever,
    Your post sort of helps balance out what is being said about Jones on this blog. I feel bad for him because I don’t believe he deserves some of the cruel things that have been expressed. And I’m glad to see at least some fans are cutting him some slack. He is an average player, with a lot of heart, who seems to try hard to be one of the guys (last one off the ice with a comment for every player, would love to know what he was saying), and deserves a C + IMO. I had no idea he was playing with an injury after December, and if that injury had nothing to do with his drop in play in the 2nd half of the season, it was probably a drop in his confidence level after logging in and reading some of these comments. I must admit I got nervous near the end of the season when Jones had the puck and needed to make a decision, but I also noted he had some great passes and saved us on occasion too..and thinking at the time..hope he gets some credit for it. It seems like Jones bashing just caught on and kept rolling. Sorry Randy.
    I’m pretty sure he won’t be coming back, and yes, why would he want to, but I wish him luck where ever he goes.

    [Reply]

  44. Erwin says:

    If I can give him a big Z I will do it. JJ doesn’t like playing with him because he knows he cannot trust him if JJ decided to join the play . Love to see Tuebert and Campbell playing next year,I’ve seen them play so many times and freaking animals when dealing with their opponents. Tubert is big fast and damn good when taking the puck in the nuetralzone.

    [Reply]

  45. Cristobal says:

    D+.

    I can’t give him an F. He had some good games as a defender and that helped us make the postseason.
    Unfortunately, he is a mistake waiting to happen and THAT cannot happen in the postseason.

    It’s funny that people like to bring up things I may have once said and try and throw it in my face, but, Quisp actually called Jones a part of the core earlier in the season and named him an “untradeable”.

    Jones may have had a hard time playing under TM’s defense-only system, but I really have a hard time seeing him as a guy with “above average offensive skills”. Maybe in California adult leagues.

    He was often played over Harrold, but why? Because of his size? He is way to soft for his size and has zero nastiness to his game. That’s why I’d take Gauthier over Jonesy a million times. The nastiness of Gauthier would have been a bigger asset in the playoffs, and if Gaithier had been partnered with JJ it would have worked out for Gauthier much better.

    In the end, I think it’s despicable for Kings fans to boo or jeer him, but I really, really don’t want Jones resigned.

    [Reply]

  46. Moondoggie says:

    D+….In the end, Jonsey just didn’t work out….

    [Reply]

  47. SDGolfer says:

    Everything beside what Yeahwhatever posted is totally crap. His post was completely objective. To say that Jones caused the Kings to lose against Vancouver is just stupid. And without Jones, would the Kings the ended with what, 105, 110 pts? Probably not.
    And worse than Modry? Friggin’ guy made the All Star game as a King.
    I look forward to who is gonna be demonized next season by the “fans”.

    [Reply]

  48. Marc says:

    I don’t hate Jones & I’m not blaming him for all the Kings failures. But he’s a horrible player. Nobody can deny that. By the end of the season it was a successful shift if he didn’t make a mistake.

    Big fat F.

    [Reply]

  49. Cristobal says:

    I liked Modry.
    He WAS above average offensively, but he only made the All-Star team because every team had to be represented – I think.

    [Reply]

  50. North Beach says:

    @ YeahWhatever. Cudos to you sir for everything you said regarding Randy. Fans are supposed to support and help lift their team and players to be successful. If anyone deserves an “F”, it’s the fans who have had such hateful things to say regarding Jones. You’re the ones that FAILED to do your job.

    [Reply]

  51. Michael says:

    Come on guys. Don’t you think that all of you Jones haters are being a bit harsh? I’d say the only way you give a guy an F is if he quits the team or something of that magnitude. Randy Jones may have made mistakes this year, as with all of our players, and he may have even made more mistakes that anyone else on the team, but the guy was trying his best man. Give him that. He fought side by side with the rest of the team. Give him that at least.

    [Reply]

Leave a Reply