After they linked up for a goal, Oilers’ Max Jones chirped, “I don’t remember you skating that fast in Anaheim.”
Max Jones, the Edmonton Oilers’ fiery winger, has never been one to hold back his words on the ice, and his playful chirps have become as much a part of his game as his physicality and scoring touch. Recently, he delivered one of his most memorable jabs after teaming up with a former Anaheim Ducks teammate for a goal. “I don’t remember you skating that fast in Anaheim,” he quipped, delivering the line with a mischievous grin. For those who have followed Jones’ career, this playful dig wasn’t entirely unexpected. But what makes the comment interesting is not just the chirp itself, but the dynamics between Jones and the player he was referring to, and how it reflected the nature of their past and the evolution of both players.
To fully understand the significance of the chirp, we need to look back at Max Jones’ career, his time with the Anaheim Ducks, and the relationship he had with the player he targeted with that jab.
Max Jones: A Rising Star
Max Jones was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, 24th overall. Known for his blend of physicality and offensive upside, Jones was expected to be a gritty forward who could score goals and provide energy on the ice. His time in Anaheim was marked by flashes of brilliance, but it was also a period of growth and development. The Ducks’ core of veterans, including Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Rickard Rakell, provided Jones with plenty of learning opportunities. However, his path to the NHL wasn’t always smooth sailing, with Jones facing a few bumps along the way in terms of consistency and adapting to the speed and physicality of the league.
Still, his time in Anaheim wasn’t without its highs. He made his debut with the Ducks in 2017 and showed promise as a physical presence who could use his speed and power to disrupt the opposition. However, while Jones showed potential, his journey through the NHL was slow and steady, as he faced stiff competition for ice time in a deep Ducks roster that was in the midst of transition. The franchise had relied heavily on their aging veterans, and Jones had to prove he could handle the pressures of top-six minutes and carve out a role for himself.
Despite his undeniable talent, one of the criticisms leveled against Jones during his time in Anaheim was his perceived inconsistency. His speed, while impressive, was often underutilized, and there were times when his decision-making appeared rushed or out of sync with his teammates. It wasn’t uncommon to see Jones caught between making a quick play and ensuring that he was in the right position, which meant his high-octane style sometimes looked out of place.
But things would change for Jones in a big way, and it wasn’t just a change in scenery; it was the evolution of his game.
The Shift to Edmonton
The trade that sent Max Jones to the Edmonton Oilers marked a new chapter in his career. The Oilers had been looking to bolster their lineup with players who could contribute both offensively and physically. With stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl already leading the charge, the Oilers needed a forward who could complement their elite skill players, bring a little more grit to their bottom six, and potentially add some scoring punch.
Jones’ move to Edmonton was seen as a fresh start for the 25-year-old forward. The Oilers had a more up-tempo, offensive style that aligned well with Jones’ strengths, especially his ability to use his speed to pressure defenders and create space on the ice. It was also an opportunity for Jones to prove that he could be more than just a physical presence; he had the chance to develop into a more complete player in a system that could capitalize on his natural attributes.
Since joining the Oilers, Jones had worked on refining his game. The team’s fast-paced, high-scoring approach allowed him to embrace his offensive side more and learn how to use his speed more effectively. He had more freedom to push the pace and take risks, and this was reflected in his improved production.
However, as much as his on-ice development was important, the off-ice camaraderie with his new teammates played a major role in his resurgence. Jones quickly meshed with the Oilers, bringing his fiery attitude and infectious energy to the dressing room. His personality helped ease the transition, and it became clear that Jones was forming strong relationships with players across the roster.
The Chirp: The Teammate in Question
When Jones landed his chirp about skating faster in Edmonton than he did in Anaheim, it was aimed at none other than his former Ducks teammate, Ryan Kesler. The seasoned veteran, once known for his own chirping and fiery presence on the ice, had come to Edmonton after spending years with the Ducks. Kesler, who was brought in for leadership and experience, had a connection with Jones dating back to their time together in Anaheim. Kesler’s arrival in Edmonton gave Jones an opportunity to reminisce about their time together while also continuing their playful banter.
The relationship between Jones and Kesler was one of respect but also good-natured teasing. Kesler, a veteran who had been through it all in the NHL, was someone Jones could look up to in terms of his knowledge of the game and his willingness to do whatever it took to win. But at the same time, Jones, ever the cheeky personality, wasn’t afraid to poke fun at Kesler when the situation presented itself.
In this particular instance, the chirp Jones delivered during the goal celebration was a classic example of how their relationship had evolved over the years. Despite the fact that Kesler was known for his elite two-way game and his ability to contribute on both ends of the ice, Jones was quick to point out that Kesler’s speed had perhaps been lacking a bit when they were in Anaheim. In a way, the chirp was a nod to the different systems they had played under and the different approaches they had taken to their careers. Kesler, once a dynamic skater in his prime, had lost some of his footspeed due to age and injuries. Meanwhile, Jones was becoming more comfortable using his speed as one of his primary assets, an aspect of his game that had developed significantly since joining the Oilers.
A Playful Reminder of the Past
While the chirp was meant to be lighthearted, it also served as a subtle reminder of how far Jones had come in his career. His evolution from a raw, promising rookie in Anaheim to a more confident and skilled player in Edmonton was a reflection of his hard work and determination. And as much as Jones had grown, his playful nature and willingness to joke around with his teammates—whether it was at Kesler’s expense or not—was a testament to his personality. It was also an indication of how well he had acclimated to life in Edmonton, where the atmosphere seemed to allow for players to embrace their personalities and have fun while competing at a high level.
For Kesler, the chirp was a reminder of the time they had spent together in Anaheim, a time that was marked by both struggles and successes. Kesler had played through his own share of injuries and challenges, but he had always been a consummate professional. The friendly jab from Jones was an acknowledgment of how their relationship had evolved. In Anaheim, Kesler had been the veteran mentor; now, in Edmonton, it was Jones who had found his own rhythm and was quickly becoming a leader in his own right. The two had exchanged roles, in a way, with Jones pushing his game to new heights while Kesler adapted to a new role with the Oilers.
