The Vancouver Canuck’s American Hockey League affiliate Utica Comets signed forward Kellen Jones to a professional tryout contract on Friday.
The Canucks traded first round draft pick Hunter Shinkaruk and top prospect Brendan Gaunce prior to the NHL trade deadline last month leaving room on its affiliate’s roster to add Jones and Greger Hanson from the San Jose Barracudas.
Jones joins Castlegar native and former NHLer Travis Green, who is in his third season as head coach of the Comets. Green played on six NHL teams over his 15 year career.
Earlier this season, Jones recorded three points (1-2-3) in 12 games for the Bakersfield Condors. The Montrose native also collected 25 points (6-19-25) in 23 games for the Missouri Mavericks of the ECHL. Last season the former Vernon Viper posted 15 points (5-10-15) in 49 games for the Oklahoma City Barons, as well as three points (2-1-3) in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games.
Jones was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round in the 2010 NHL Entry Level Draft. His twin brother, Connor, is currently a member of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The two played their collegiate hockey together at Quinnipiac University from 2010-14.
The 30-19-5-3 Comets currently sit in third place in the North division of the Eastern Conference.