From the Nashville Predators:
Nashville, Tenn. (August 10, 2009) - Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed restricted free agent Ryan Jones on a two-year, $975,000 contract.
Jones, 25 (6/14/84), played 46 games with the Predators during his rookie season, amassing 17 points (7g-10a). The Chatham, Ont., native played his first NHL game on Oct. 10, 2008 at St. Louis and scored his first NHL goal five days later at Dallas. The 6-1, 206-pound right wing also posted 22 points (13g-9a) in 25 games with Milwaukee (AHL), tied for second on the Admirals in playoff goals (4) and led the team in postseason power-play markers.
Originally Minnesota's fifth choice, 111st overall (fourth round) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Jones was acquired by the Predators on July 1, 2008 along with a second-round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft (Charles-Olivier Roussel) for Marek Zidlicky. The Miami University alum finished his collegiate career as the school's all-time leading goal scorer, amassing 90 goals and 147 points in 161 games.
As expected, this is a one-way contract, so it likely ensures Jones a full run with the Predators this season. Now the question is, where does he fit within the depth chart?