from Josh Cooper of The Tennessean,

“He knows he has to get stronger and fill out,” general manager David Poile said. “He’s a pretty determined and dedicated kid.”

It’s somewhat rare for Predators players to stay in town during the offseason. Most scatter for the offseason. Captain Shea Weber heads to his summer home in British Columbia. Goaltender Pekka Rinne goes to his native Finland. Forward Eric Nystrom resides in the Los Angeles area.

Predators strength and conditioning coach David Good has been able to monitor how the fourth overall pick of the 2013 draft is developing physically. Jones said he has gained about five pounds of muscle so far and weighs 210. The Predators like that trend.

“Physically he needs to mature more,” assistant coach Phil Housley said. “He has to get stronger on his feet. He has to get more leverage, starting with the basic foundation of his legs up. That’s just going to come with maturity and having seasons of working out as he grows. Mentally, I think he’s mature.”

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