Randy Jones, defenseman and Most Valuable Player for Clarkson, has decided to forego his remaining two years of collegiate eligibility with the Golden Knights after signing a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Terms of the deal were reported to be a two-year, $1.2 million contract.
“We are really excited for Randy,” said Clarkson head coach George Roll. “It certainly is a tough loss for us at this stage, but part of your goal as a program is to develop players to move on to the next level and Clarkson certainly has a rich history of doing that.
“I think it is the right thing for Randy at this time. The offer was such that he did not know with the collective bargaining contract up in a year if that money would still be there. He did the right thing and we wish him the best. I am sure he will do well at the next level.
“The only thing we regret is that we did not have the opportunity to coach Randy.”
A 6-2, 195-pound sophomore from Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Jones became the first ever defenseman to lead the Golden Knights in scoring.
The first-team ECAC All-Star was the league’s top offensive threat from the blueline, scoring 33 points on 13 goals and 20 assists over 33 games.
He also led Clarkson in plus/minus at +12 and in power play goals with six and was tied for game-winning goals with three.
