Why Ben Jones Is the Perfect Mentor for the Calgary Wranglers’ Young Core

The Calgary Flames have fully embraced their youth movement, but developing prospects isn’t just about giving young players ice time. It’s about putting them in an environment where they can learn what it takes to become professionals.

That’s what makes the signing of Ben Jones on July 1 one of Calgary’s more underrated moves this offseason.

Advertisement

On the surface, it’s a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 for a veteran depth forward. Dig a little deeper, though, and it’s easy to see why Jones could become one of the most important players on the Calgary Wranglers this season.

This isn’t a player walking into an unfamiliar situation. Jones was part of the Wranglers from the very beginning, playing a key role during the club’s inaugural 2022-23 season. He posted 54 points and a +28 rating while helping Calgary capture the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as AHL regular-season champions, along with the Pacific Division title. He understands the expectations, the organization, and what winning looks like in Calgary.

Since then, Jones has added another layer to his résumé.

Advertisement

Over the past two seasons, he appeared in 54 NHL games between the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild, gaining valuable experience at hockey’s highest level. While his NHL role was primarily as a reliable depth forward, he continued to show he can produce offensively in the American Hockey League, operating at nearly a point-per-game pace with the Iowa Wild last season.

That offensive production is certainly a bonus, but it’s not the biggest reason Calgary brought him back.

The Wranglers are expected to feature one of the youngest rosters in the AHL, with several of the Flames’ top prospects taking on larger roles. Players like Aydar Suniev, Andrew Basha, William Stromgren and others will all be navigating the daily grind of professional hockey, and that’s where Jones’ impact could be felt the most.

Entering his 10th professional season, Jones knows what it takes to stick around. He understands the habits, preparation and consistency required to earn opportunities at the NHL level. Those are lessons that can’t always be taught by coaches alone.

Every young team needs players who set the standard, both on and off the ice. The veteran who pulls a teammate aside after a difficult shift, leads by example in practice, and shows younger players what being a professional looks like every day.

Advertisement

Jones fits that role perfectly.

As Calgary continues building toward the future, the organization needs more than talented prospects, it needs experienced veterans who can help shape them along the way. Ben Jones may not be the headline signing of the summer, but his presence in the Wranglers’ dressing room could prove to be one of the organization’s most valuable additions for the 2026-27 season.