EDMONTON, AB- Trial by error.
In the case of defenceman Caleb Jones, it's paying dividends.
After what the 6-foot-1, 194-pound blueliner described as a shaky introduction to NHL pre-season this campaign last night against the Vancouver Canucks, Jones settled in and stepped into the slot to finish off Ryan Strome's feed in the third period to give the Oilers insurance.
"I think every day you try to get better and yesterday was a big learning curve for me," said Jones, drafted in the fourth round, 117th overall by the Oilers in 2015. "I made some mistakes but I feel like I settled in as the game went on and I was fighting it a little bit. In the third I was able to get that goal which was nice and then played a steady game."
A standout Rookie Camp provided Jones the platform to showcase his growth as a player after recording 17 points (2G, 15A) in 58 games with the Bakersfield Condors last season.
"I think I came in and had a few strong games in Rookie Camp and last night I got better as the game went on, so hopefully I get another chance to go out and perform even better, learning from the mistakes I made last night and try to keep going forward."
BLOG: Jones learning through mistakes
"If you get flat-footed without speed you're going to get a little exposed. I think having that happen is a good learning experience. I would not let that happen twice."
© Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire
