I think it is definitely trying to drive up the price. I am sure the Avs would be happy to draft anyone in the top 4. Organizationally, they definitely prefer Jones.
They are hoping either Florida or Tampa bites, and they get to draft Jones. They have been saying all along that they are not willing to drop out of the top 3. If Jones is drafted by Tampa (risk there, not so much with Florida who REALLY need a top center to play with Huberdeau), they will just draft MacKinnon or Drouin. Trade Stastny during the summer, perhaps even ROR since it seems he was a 'problem' for them.
Regardless of whatever happens, Avs are in a win-win situation, and they know it. Might as well maximize their assets as best as they can - the only smart thing to do.
Tampa didn't do this with the whole Stamkos ads pre-draft. He was by far the consensus #1. They were also trying to market him for the season ticket holders. There was no way anyone was going to trade down from that 1st pick that year. Doughty went number 2, but if I remember correctly, Stamkos was by FAR the consensus pick, and I am not sure there were any deviations away from him that year.
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