Jones earns Piggott award

Christian Roatis2013 Draft Center

Seth Jones is going to need a bigger trophy shelf.

The consensus top-ranked prospect for the 2013 NHL Draft has added to his long list of accolades heading into the draft by being named the recipient of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s Rookie of the Year.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound blueliner was fourth in WHL scoring among defensemen this season and lead all rookies in assists with 42 in 61 games. The Portland Winterhawks stalwart also amassed an impressive plus-46 rating to rank seventh among all WHL players.

The honor comes after an already decorated season for Jones.

The Plano, TX product also played a key role in the USA’s gold medal win at the World Junior Championship. Immediately following his impressive performance at the World Juniors, he eclipsed Nathan MacKinnon as the top prospect in Future Considerations’ ranking for the 2013 NHL Draft – a spot he hasn’t relinquished.

Top 2014 eligible prospect Leon Draisaitl of the Prince Albert Raiders was the runner-up to Jones for Rookie of the Year.