When Seth Jones was acquired from the Nashville Predators for Ryan Johansen, the pressure was on -- for both players.
Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen realized that an organizational weakness could be improved upon with a trade. Many in the media saw trading Johansen as a risky move considering the center had just finished a 71-point campaign and been signed to a new contract (after an arduous negotiation).
It was a gamble, but the Blue Jackets believed that Jones was worth it.
As a highly-regarded prospect from a young age and then a top-five NHL Draft pick, expectations have always been sky high for Jones. He brings a combination of talent and size that isn't often seen in the NHL. After only completing half of a season with the Blue Jackets, they were ready to make an investment in the young defenseman.
And boy, did they ever.
Following the 2015-16 season, they reached an agreement with Jones on a new contract worth $32.4 million over six years. The club's actions spoke loudly: he was their guy.
In his first complete season with the Blue Jackets, Jones scored 12 goals while also contributing 30 assists for a total of 42 points. He also posted career-high marks in ice time and plus/minus rating.
During his end of the season press conference on Monday, Kekalainen was asked about the differences in the team's defensive play compared to prior seasons and how it contributed to the team's success in 2016-17.
Without hesitation, he brought up Jones and Zach Werenski as names that he loved on the back end.
"I don't think you can find a better one-two punch (as a defense pair) around the league," Kekalainen said.
As far as youth and talent go, he isn't wrong. They're a combined 41 years old, and together they contributed 89 points and have only just begun as a pairing. Jones is the elder statesmen between the two, but that doesn't mean his game is done growing.
He already has a multi-faceted skill set that front offices drool over. Similar to Brandon Saad, Jones is very good, but if he can be great on a consistent basis, the team can be a perennial Stanley Cup contender.
"He's just getting started," Kekalainen said. "He's been in the league for a while but he is so young. He's got another level or two to go to."
