Breaking News: ‘Magnificent’ Rangers Youngster Granted Huge And Massive Opportunity
It’s clear in their words and actions that the New York Rangers believe Zac Jones deserves an opportunity to join their top-six group of defenseman this upcoming season. So, when training camp begins in September, it’s up to Jones to run with the chance to replace Erik Gustafsson on the third pairing.
Gustafsson signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings this offseason after one solid season with the Blueshirts. Instead of bringing in a veteran to replace Gustafsson, the Rangers stood pat, clearly believing that Jones, entering his age-24 season, was ready to finally assume a regular spot in the lineup.
Their only other move of significance on defense was bringing back Chad Ruhwedel on a League-minimum deal to provide depth as the 7th or 8th defenseman on the roster.
So, the Rangers actions spoke volumes about their plans to replace Gustafsson this season. Now, coach Peter Laviolette’s words backed up New York’s actions.
“Zac Jones got better every single time he played for us,” Laviolette told NHL.com. “He had to bring that out in himself every time we called his number, and it wasn’t on a consistent basis. When he got the opportunity, he was fantastic. Certainly, he’s going to get a long look in training camp.”
Jones played an NHL career-high 31 games last season. As Laviolette noted, that playing time was not on any consistent basis. He became a lineup regular in November when Adam Fox missed a month with a knee injury. Jones then played only six games December through February.
However, Jones stepped into a regular role in March, when he appeared in 12 games because of injuries to Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren and Gustafsson. He logged more than 17 minutes of ice time five times and drew raves from Laviolette and his teammates.
“He’s worked his tail off every practice and every day,” Laviolette said in March. “He’s gotten an opportunity to jump back in here. He’s waited for this, he’s been patient, worked hard to get the opportunity and he’s jumped back in and has been playing excellent hockey again.”
Jones finished 2023-24 with nine points (two goals, seven assists) and a plus-one rating. Though many called for him to get a chance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, when Gutsafsson and Trouba struggled, Jones did not play a single one of New York’s 16 postseason games.
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