2022 Flames Top 25 Under 25: #25- Ben Jones

#25- Ben Jones

Position: Centre

Age: 23 (as of August 1 2022)

2021-22 Team: Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), Henderson Silver Knights (AHL)

Stats (AHL): 25 goals, 16 assists, 41 points in 66 games

Acquired: Signed as a free agent July 16, 2022

2021 Ranking: NA

Late-round pick? Late developer? Ben Jones ticks quite a few boxes of intrigue entering his first season with the Flames. Originally taken in the 7th round of the 2017 draft by the Vegas Golden Knights, Jones was not extended a qualifying offer by the fairly cash-strapped team.

The non-qualifier comes as a bit of a surprise as Jones took massive strides this past season. After his final season of junior hockey in 2018-19 in which he had 102 points as the captain of the Niagara IceDogs, Jones only managed 23 points across two seasons with the Silver Knights and saw some ECHL time as well. Cut to 2021-22, and Jones had a significant breakout with 25 goals and 41 points. That performance earned him a 2-game stint with the NHL club during which he went pointless.

After seemingly being given a single digit jersey number with the Flames, it seems that Calgary staff may have inklings that he could be a roster player early. From Waterloo, Ontario, Jones knows and has trained with fellow newbie Cole Schwindt. He figures to slot in a bottom six centre role.

2022 Flames Top 25 Under 25 Ranking

#25- Ben Jones

by Gordie Taylor