Three players the Colorado Avalanche can target to replace Samuel Girard

3.) Caleb Jones

Caleb Jones has been filling the void for Colorado of late. Jones was drafted by Edmonton in the fourth round in 2015. The 6’1” 194-pound Texas native was acquired by the Colorado Avalanche this past offseason from Carolina and started the season with the Colorado Eagles of the AHL.

With the Eagles, he played 12 games, obtaining 6 assists during that span. Since his call up, he’s played six games in the burgundy and blue, garnering one assist and is a plus four (on the ice for four more goals scored than allowed).

Caleb has shown an ability to succeed at the NHL level in the past, as he had sixteen points in 71 games with Chicago last season, and 15 points in 51 games the season prior to that, also with Chicago.

Jones knows the system and can operate well in it, and with the Avalanche’s cap situation the way it is, is the most likely option for them moving forward, even if they shift the pairs around to ensure Jones plays third pair minutes. He’s averaging about 12:52 ice time per game over his last five games, so that may be what has already occurred with him.

As Girard does, Jones enjoys the physical aspects of the game as well as board battles. He’s got an ability to chip in on offense as we already discussed, but it appears his game is that of a defensive minded player. He’s a solid overall defenseman who plays a smart game.