Caleb Jones

Jones has a chance to take a step forward in 2020-21 after recording nine points in 43 appearances last season. With Oscar Klefbom out with a shoulder injury, Jones will be given the chance to step into a third-pairing role full time. He's got 60 games of NHL experience, and it'll be a great time for the 23-year-old blueliner to show he can stick with the parent club after a couple of years split between Edmonton and AHL Bakersfield. Scoring expectations should be tempered, as Jones isn't likely to receive any power-play time and only roughly 15 minutes per game at even strength. The fourth-round pick from 2015 will likely end up between 10 and 15 points with modest totals in hits and blocked shots this year.

Jones, 22, found his way into 17 games with Edmonton a season ago and managed to collect a goal and five assists for his efforts. Most of his season was spent with AHL Bakersfield where Jones, in 50 games, scored six goals and tallied 23 assists for 29 points while posting a plus-16 rating, far better than his minus-9 rating at the top level. The 2019-20 season will be Jones' first real chance to carve out a regular role in the NHL, and Edmonton's new leadership will be keen to see what they have in the young defenseman.

Jones has raised his profile significantly since the Oilers picked him in the fourth round of 2015’s draft. Since honing his skills with the U.S. National Team Development Program ahead of being drafted, he's proceeded to post a pair of sparkling seasons for Portland of the WHL, including averaging nearly a point per game (62 in 63) last year. Jones and fellow 20-year-old offensive blueliner Ethan Bear are expected to make the leap to AHL Bakersfield this season, and their respective performances there will give us a much better idea about both prospects’ timelines. While Jones -- the little brother of standout NHL defenseman Seth Jones -- will surely need some time to continue rounding out his game in the minor leagues, he has a bright future that makes him a promising and underrated prospect in dynasty formats.