Peter Laviolette officially addresses the situation with Zac Jones always being scratched
Photo credit: Athlon Sports
It's been a tough situation for Zac Jones, as he has found himself in a similar scenario as last year. He's been scratched for a large part of this season and hasn't played a game since December 23rd.
With the recent addition of Will Borgen, and Urho Vaakainen, defenseman Zac Jones' path back into the lineup has been blocked.
It has raised some eyebrows, and some pundits have suggested that he should be sent back down to the AHL in order to get more playing time.
However, Peter Laviolette suggests that the team has other plans for Jones.
«Those things are discussed between Drury and myself,» Laviolette said. «What's best for the team right now is we need him here. He's a part of our team and he's played good minutes for us. If needed on, I know he'll go in and do a good job, but right now we need him here.»
The defenseman has been given permission to seek a trade, but nothing has manifested yet despite GM Chris Drury's work earlier in the year. He worked wonders for Jacob Trouba, retaining nothing, and sending him to the West Coast.
While Jones continues to be stapled to the bench for the Rangers.
Jones wasn't afraid of sharing his emotions about being scratched out of the lineup.
«It (expletive) sucks, it (expletive) sucks,» Jones told Larry Brooks of the New York Post. «It's frustrating when you think you're doing some things well, and it's just, you just keep getting taken out, taken out, taken out. I just feel like I'm rotting away a little bit
«I'm not a 32-year-old guy collecting a paycheck. I'm a guy who wants to earn my paycheck. I need to play. I have things I need to improve in order to be a full-time player, and that's what I want to be.»
«I'm not a 32-year-old guy collecting a paycheck. I'm a guy who wants to earn my paycheck. I need to play. I have things I need to improve in order to be a full-time player, and that's what I want to be.»
Tonight will be no different, as it's been over a month since he's seen any ice time with the Rangers.
Despite the frustration, the Rangers plan on keeping him up in the NHL to serve as the 7th defenseman.
Peter Laviolette:
This could be ominous for the often cheery defenseman, whose been known for his positive attitude in the face of adversity.
Regardless of what Laviolette says, the trade deadline is just around the corner and Jones could find a fresh start on a rebuilding team.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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