Max Jones ranked No. 11 on TSN’s early “16 for ’16” draft list

By @MichaelCaples –

Earlier today we shared the latest projections for the 2015 NHL Draft, but why not take a look at the 2016 draft, too?

TSN’s Craig Button released an early “16 for ’16” list today, giving his top 16 prospects to watch for the 2016 NHL Draft. Five Michigan connections made Button’s list, and Rochester native Max Jones was the lone Michigan-born player appearing on the 16-man count.

Jones, a Honeybaked product and U.S. NTDP Under-17 Team forward, was ranked No. 11 on the list. Here’s what Button had to say on the Michigan product:

Combining speed and power along with a very good skill level, he becomes a very challenging player to play against. He uses all of the elements to his advantage and has a determination in his game that forces opponents out of their comfort zone.

The full list of Michigan connections on Button’s rankings:

• No. 1 – Auston Matthews – U.S. NTDP (Ann Arbor)
• No. 3 – Jacob Chychrun – Little Caesars alum
• No. 5 – James Greenway – U.S. NTDP (Ann Arbor)
• No. 11 – Max Jones – Rochester native
• No. 16 – Matthew Tkachuk – U.S. NTDP (Ann Arbor)

Obviously there’s plenty of time for these rankings to change, but it’s good to see Jones – a London Knights first-round pick – getting some recognition from NHL scouts already.