San Jose Sharks‘ 7th year net minder Martin Jones(31) is likely done proving himself as a #1 NHL goalie after taking a California team that has notoriously choked every playoff run since it’s existence all the way to the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals in his debut year with the club.
As impressive as the run was, what’s more over the top is his numbers and all the stand on your head saves he made, especially through the postseason.
Through a career high 65 games he posted a nice 37-23 record with 2.27 GAA and .918 SV%, then in the playoffs went 14-10 and an even better 2.16 GAA and .923 SV%.
After a trade sent him from the team he’d been with from the start for 6 seasons, Los Angeles Kings that sent him to Boston Bruins as a mere stop over before heading to San Jose, his main suitor all along.
Signed to a new 3-year deal through 2018, the 26-year old is just getting started.
Martin Jones(31) Los Angeles Kings
Almost shockingly, undrafted 4th year net minder Martin Jones(31) has spent his entire pro career in Los Angeles KIngs‘ prospect system and will be riding with the organization for another two seasons as he just inked an extension through 2014/2015.
He was signed to an entry level deal with a couple of slide seasons as an 18-year old to lay claim to him though.
He’s coming off another campaign with affiliate Manchester Monarchs, where he set record highs in many categories including a phenomenal 56 games played (2nd most overall), wins with 27 but also 25 losses, 5 shutouts, 3347 minutes in the crease and 1601 saves to his credit.
The big 6’4″ but light 189 lbs. goaltender has yet to officially earned an NHL call-up in the juggernaut that was in net for the parent club until recently but was part of the team’s practice squad when they won the Stanley Cup in 2012. He’s easily proving he is worth a look as he maintains a 2.46 GAA and .921 SV% in the minors through 136 AHL games.
He won a WHL Championship in his last season of junior hockey with Calgary Hitmen, plus was playoff MVP and top goaltender in the Memorial Cup and in the league for 2009/2010.
There is still that curtain of let’s see what this kid can do when he gets into a game with the “big boys” but the 23-year old seems to be on the right path.
Dustin Tokarski(34) & Martin Jones(31)
Norfolk Admirals‘ 3rd year goalie Dustin Tokarski(34) and Manchester Monarchs‘ 2nd year net minder Martin Jones(31) exchange handshakes at the conclusion of their AHL Calder Cup Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Jones sat his first playoff game of the series but was the goaltender on record for the previous three contests, including a Monarchs‘ 5-2 win in game 2, the Admirals‘ 1st loss after 29 straight victories that started back on February 10. Almost appears like Tokarski is giving him a nod with the shake for that win.
The 22-year old Tokarski has one more year left on his 3-year entry level contract. It’s very possible that the 5’11” 198 lbs. backstop could compete for the starter job with Tampa Bay Lightning next season. He showed flashes of brilliance in 5 games in 2011/2012, despite only one win.
Martin Jones(30) Manchester Monarchs
Monarchs‘ rookie goaltender Martin Jones(30) has more wins (by 1) and less losses (by a few at least) than any other rookie AHL netminder so far this season.