Seth Jones

After missing seven games due to a knee injury suffered during the preseason, Seth Jones has returned and been an absolute dominate force on the Jackets blue line. Jones, 24, is playing just like he was last year and has put together another All-Star season performance through 14 games.
Despite missing a third of the Jackets games this season, he has been, by far, the Jackets best defender. He is rock solid in his own end, making great breakout passes, putting up points, and has the Jackets power play back into respectable territory.
His nine points in 14 games include two goals. Jones is trusted in all situations which have him playing just shy of 26 minutes a game, well above his career average of 22 minutes a night.
Jones started the year alongside Zach Werenski but has since been playing with Ryan Murray and the combo is working very well. The split from Z has been a long time coming and, although Z is struggling away from Jones, it will be a positive for the franchise in the long run. It clearly hasn’t effected Jones’ play and if he didn’t miss seven games, he would be in the thick of a Norris Trophy run.
The newest assistant captain is playing like a true leader. Jones’ fantastic start to the season is a great sight after the injury and we can only hope he continues his high level of play.