“Bruins newcomer becomes fan favorite in Jim Montgomery’s eyes”

Boston Bruins fans haven't seen much of Max Jones this preseason.

Jones, who signed a two-year, $2 million contract with the Bruins this offseason after six seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, missed most of the draft list due to an undisclosed injury and made his preseason debut Thursday night with an A The Los Angeles Kings lost by 4 to the Anaheim Ducks.

Unlike the Bruins' hopefuls, Jones' play didn't really jump off the ice in the loss. But the Boston fan base will like what they see from the veteran forward.

Take Jim Montgomery's word for it.

“I thought it was a good first game” Montgomery told reporters Fridayper video provided by the team. “You could tell it was a little rusty, you could tell he was a little less confident with the puck. Everything seemed a bit rushed. I talked to him about it. But the speed, a few hits – I mean,” he hits hard. Bruins fans will like him.

Jones has no problem throwing his 6-foot, 220-pound frame around. He collected 127 goals a season ago and has some serious skill to show as he is just two seasons removed from his career high of 19 points on nine goals and 10 assists.

Jones doesn't need a flashy game to fit with the Bruins. In fact, the 26-year-old's courage and physicality are being celebrated in Boston. And Montgomery definitely sees value in Jones' hard-nosed style of play.

“There were a few moments where he and especially (Cole) Koepke just missed on a couple rush drills (in practice) and put the ball hard into the net,” Montgomery said. “It's nice to see how quickly they use their power and how boldly they go into difficult areas, for lack of a better word. And we tried to add her to part of our group.”