Jones’ skills make him perfect to pair up with
PITTSBURGH — At some point in the next few months, Blue Jackets coaches must address a question 25 other NHL franchises would love to be asking.
What to do with the defensive pairing of Seth Jones and Zach Werenski?
Do you let them grow old together? Or, do you split them, giving the Jackets a minute-eating, offensive-minded, slick-skating defenseman on two pairs for about 45 minutes a game?
The Jackets have ample time to remedy a wonderful debate, but one thing seems certain: Jones can play well with almost anyone. He’s demonstrated the ability with Werenski missing time because of a shoulder injury and a facial fracture in recent weeks.
“I don’t think it’s that hard,” coach John Tortorella said Thursday. “I think Jonesy is that good.”
Jones started Game 5 of the Jackets’ openinground playoff matchup Thursday night playing with Kyle Quincey. The pairing was effective in a 5-4 win Tuesday night, two days after Werenski was lost for the season to a broken cheekbone.
In the past few weeks, Jones has had Quincey, Markus Nutivaara, Scott Harrington and Gabriel Carlsson as partners, and there has been little drop-off in the All-Star’s game.
“You have to adjust to the style your partner plays,” Jones said. “With Zach, he loves to skate the puck, he loves to join the rush. I’m always looking for him. With 'Q,' I’m the one joining the rush for the most part.”
Not every defenseman can make such a seamless transition. Even good ones can be impacted by the loss of a regular partner. Jack Johnson admittedly struggled at times this season when David Savard was out because of back spasms.
Quincey said he has enjoyed the opportunity to play with Jones, 22, who established career highs in goals (12), assists (30) and points (42).
“Unbelievable skater, great hockey player,” Quincey said of Jones. “I’m not a guy who watches hockey all the time, and I don’t remember playing against him that much, so I didn’t know what kind of player he was. Now, I’m getting the full scope of his skills.
“All the guys I played with, the legends, were at the end of their careers, not moving the best.
Nobody has skated like him. Adam Foote, Scott Hannan, Matt Greene, Nick Lidstrom, Chris Chelios, Mathieu Schneider. Even (Niklas) Kronwall doesn’t skate like him. I’ve played with some great players, but nobody who can move like he moves.”
Werenski honored
Werenski, a 19-yearold defenseman, was named a finalist for the Calder Trophy, presented to the league’s top rookie. The other finalists are Toronto center Auston Matthews and Winnipeg wing Patrik Laine.
Werenski ranked seventh among NHL rookies and 13th among all defensemen in scoring with 47 points. He finished the season with 11 goals and 36 assists. The award is voted on by the members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Werenski becomes the third Blue Jacket to be named a finalist. Wing Rick Nash was up for the award in 2003. Goaltender Steve Mason won it in 2009.