After obtaining center Michael McCarron from the Predators last night, the Wild have sent Ben Jones down to the American Hockey League’s Iowa team. Although the roster spot was not strictly required, adding McCarron made Jones’s position somewhat redundant, leading to his reassignment.
Jones’s Role and Performance with the Wild This Season
At 27 years old, Ben Jones has limited NHL experience but has gradually earned more playing chances with Minnesota over the past two seasons. He has appeared in 26 games this year, registering his first career points with one goal and one assist. Despite a minus-10 rating and below-average shot attempt statistics, Jones has contributed as a reliable faceoff specialist, winning 53.5% of his draws from a lower-line role. Since January 20, he has not featured in a game; although recalled from Iowa during the Olympic break, he was scratched for the last four contests.
Outlook for Jones as Iowa’s Leader and Pending Free Agent
Originating from Ontario, Jones is set to become a pending unrestricted free agent after signing a two-year, two-way contract with the Wild in 2024. He has demonstrated solid offensive ability while captaining Iowa, despite the team struggling in the AHL standings both offensively and defensively. This season, Jones has tallied five goals and 16 points over 18 games with the club. The organization will likely aim to keep him at the AHL level where he can maintain a leadership role and continue his development.
