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Poile ‘expecting real good things’ from Jones in 14-15

Anaheim Ducks v Nashville Predators

NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 8: Seth Jones #3 of the Nashville Predators skates with the puck during a NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks at Bridgestone Arena on February 8, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/ Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Seth Jones

Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery

Nashville’s defense already looks pretty good going into 2014-15, but Seth Jones is something of a question mark.

The 19-year-old blueliner (he’ll turn 20 on Oct. 3) has a lot of upside, but his rookie campaign was far from perfect and while that’s not surprising or worthy of condemnation, it still remains to be seen how long it will take him to break out.

Predators GM David Poile seemed hesitant to set the bar too high for Jones, but he is clearly upbeat about the defenseman’s development.

“For 19 years old I’m not sure what you’re supposed to expect, but he did a lot of really good things,” Poile told NHL.com. “I know he had some bumps in the road. I think his plus/minus (minus-23), you’d like to be better, but he went over to the [2014 IIHF] World Championship and played really well; best defenseman in the tournament. He’s been working out all summer. I’m expecting real good things. Just a little bit better in every area.”

Sophomore campaigns obviously aren’t always kind, but the Predators can afford to take some of the pressure off of Jones. Shea Weber and Roman Josi each averaged over 26 minutes per game last season and will likely shoulder the bulk of the burden again in 2014-15.

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