The Boston Bruins scooped up two of this year’s top free agents, signing Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. With these additions, they added a new first-line center and a top-four defenseman. They are, without question, their big catches of the summer.

However, the Bruins also made some intriguing depth additions through free agency during the summer. One of them was Max Jones, as the 2016 first-round pick signed a two-year, $2 million contract with the Bruins back in July.

While the Jones signing may not be the biggest splash of the summer, he could become a complete steal for the Bruins. At 26 years old, Jones still has the potential to take another step forward in his play. Perhaps he will now that he has moved on from a rebuilding Anaheim Ducks club and joined a team with more offensive weapons to work with in Boston.

When looking at the Bruins’ current roster, Jones looks like he will have a home on the Original Six club’s fourth line. However, if he impresses, he could compete for a promotion to the Bruins’ top nine. In addition, due to his speed and net-front presence ability, he could even be a candidate for some power-play time.

Besides having the potential to hit a new level offensively, Jones will provide value because of his immensely physical style of play. Bruins GM Don Sweeney has made it apparent that he wants the Bruins to be a tougher team, and Jones should help in that regard. During this past season, the 6-foot-3 winger posted a career-high 127 hits in 52 contests.

When noting that the Bruins landed Jones at a $1 million cap hit, there is no real risk in this deal. At worst, he will be a serviceable bottom-six forward who provides the Bruins with plenty of energy. However, if he takes that next step and becomes a more impactful scoring threat, he could be one of the top NHL bargain signings of the summer.