UFA Martin Jones Would Be Great Fit For Former Team

Martin Jones is still without a contract for the coming season after doing good work as a third-string for two consecutive years. He was once a high-end goalie that started his career with the Los Angeles Kings and then dominated seasons with the San Jose Sharks before bouncing around a bit since then.

The 34-year-old may not be capable of holding a team together as a starter at this point in his career, but he is surely capable of backing up or serving as the third-string goalie waiting for his opportunity. He posted a .900 SV% in 35 games for the Philadelphia Flyers in 2021-22, a .886 SV% while going 27-13-3 for the Seattle Kraken in 2022-23, and most recently a .902 SV% in 22 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

So which of the five teams should Jones sign with? All signs lead to the Kraken as they are not set with a third-string goalie this season. Seattle wants to get better. That much is clear by signing Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour to big deals. So their season can't fall apart if one of their goalies gets injured for a lengthy amount of time. With Philipp Grubauer, that is very possible.

Grubauer hasn't played 40 games in either of the past two seasons that the Kraken have gone into the season with him as a starter. He has finished all three seasons in Seattle with a sub-.900 SV%. If it isn't a possible injury that will keep him out, his play may continue to warrant the Kraken looking elsewhere if they want a reliable backup.

Jones didn't have a great SV% on the Kraken, but he stepped in and served as the starter for a good chunk of the season, winning 27 games which is nothing to overlook. With Joey Daccord now the go-to goalie in net for the Kraken, Jones wouldn't have as much weight placed on him if he signs and gets playing time. He will be cheap, both sides are familiar with each other, and for him, it's one of the best places he can still have a chance at playing in the NHL this season.