David Jones suffers lower body injury, will not return to the game

The Calgary Flames were already shorthanded with Kris Russell unable to play due to an undisclosed upper body injury. They got even more shorthanded though, as early in the first period they lost David Jones, presumably to a blocked shot off his foot.

This after Jones had capitalized on a Zdeno Chara turnover, resulting in a primary assist on Johnny Gaudreau’s goal just 33 seconds into the game – and even had another scoring chance shortly after, all in just 2:07 of ice time.

Jones has been playing on the first line as of late alongside Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, and is a team leader in goals with seven scored, so his loss is a pretty big impact.

The Flames are down to 11 forwards for the rest of this game, and appropriately, there have been several new line combinations with some double shifting to boot. Sam Bennett spent some time on the top line through the rest of the first period, but it’s Jiri Hudler who has spent the most time reunited with his top linemates.

As for Jones’ injury, it’s possible he could be back for next game, as the Flames have three days off before their next game. If it’s more serious, however, the team doesn’t necessarily have to recall anybody, as Josh Jooris is another right winger who can simply step into the lineup.

If it’s longer term, however, that’s bad news. Not only has Jones been one of the few pleasant surprises for the Flames this season, but he’s an impending unrestricted free agent who could very well be trade deadline fodder. 

Hopefully he’ll be ready to return to the ice soon, as one way or another, he’ll help the Flames: whether it’s on the ice, where he’s been excellent; or by bringing back a return to help advance the rebuild.