Penguins assign 255-game veteran defenseman to the AHL on conditioning loan

The Penguins have assigned defenseman Caleb Jones to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a conditioning loan.

Since Jones is on standard injured reserve and not on long-term injured reserve, he has the option to stay in the minors for a maximum of 14 days without requiring waivers.

Jones, 28, has been inactive on the roster since October. The 6'1″ lefty appeared in seven of Pittsburgh's first eight games before a lower-body injury sidelined him for more than two months, surpassing his original eight-week recovery timeline.

Jones spoke last Friday with Seth Rorabaugh, reporting for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, about his hopes to return soon. His conditioning assignment should be brief.

Jones has had experience in the AHL, having had stretches within the last couple of years where he has been in the minors. Last year saw him for the most part in the minors.

Jones was a part of the opening night roster, but given the fact that the defensive side has been solidified and there is another veteran presence in Brett Kulak, it is rather unknown if Jones will be part of the active roster or if he will be put on waivers eventually.

Jones spent seven games posting good bottom-six play with 17:10 of ice time per night, one assist, a +1 rating, 15 blocks, and 10 hits. He controlled 41.4% of 5-on-5 scoring chances in a difficult role.

He is a Texas native and has agreed to a two-year deal worth $1.8 million with Pittsburgh this offseason, with $1 million due next year. If he goes to waivers, a claim does not seem to be a strong possibility.

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