Oilers 2025-26 Report Cards: Max Jones

The Michigan native played 21 games with Edmonton, recording three goals and five points with a plus-3 rating, averaging 8:21 per game. Jones was a physical wrecking ball, recording 56 hits in his 21 games. That’s impressive considering how little he played. He was third on the team with 19.17 hits per 60 minutes.

When he was on the ice, positive things happened. In 174:48 at 5-on-5, the Oilers had 57.72 percent of the shots, 51.47 percent of the scoring chances, 65.45 percent of the high-danger scoring chances, and outscored their opponents 8-5, including 7-1 in high-danger goals. He got to the blue paint and helped create offence, which was lacking in the bottom six all season.

His solid play would’ve likely earned him a spot on the playoff roster, but a late-season injury derailed that. He suffered a leg injury on April 11 against the Los Angeles Kings, and he needed assistance getting off the ice. He was playing well, but that injury ultimately ended his season.

Overall Grade

Jones was more impactful than most of the full-time bottom-six players. He had more goals than Mattias Janmark in 22 fewer games. He also had the same number of goals as Adam Henrique in 44 fewer games. Frederic and Curtis Lazar had just one more goal than him. Lazar played 24 more games, and Frederic played 53 more games. The point being, Jones was as impactful as, if not more than, those players. Plus, his cap hit was cheap at only $1 million.

Therefore, he gets a C+ grade this season. He knew his role, and he played it well. He did everything that’s expected of a fourth-line player. He hit, got on the forecheck, provided energy, and scored timely goals. Two of his three goals were game-winners, and the third goal opened the scoring in the second period during a tight-checking game against the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 29.

One of his game-winning goals was on March 17 against the San Jose Sharks. With the game tied at three, the fourth line went to work down low, and Jones won a battle in front of the net, jamming the loose puck past the netminder. That’s the type of shift the Oilers need from the fourth line consistently.

He’s a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), and the Oilers should consider re-signing him on a cheap contract. Even if he spends most of the season in the AHL, you can’t have too much depth in your organization. Injuries happen, and Jones is capable of stepping in, filling a role, and doing an admirable job.

Do you agree with this grade? Keep following The Hockey Writers as we continue the Oilers’ player report cards throughout the offseason.

Advanced stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick