Rangers Rookie Zac Jones Turning Heads At Camp and Preseason

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Joshua Deeds
September 25, 2024 (8:00 PM)

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Rookie defenseman Zac Jones has made a name for himself, someone who filled in during last season for the Rangers, while multiple defensemen were out on injuries.

Jones has stood out among defensemen during the Rangers training camp roster.

Jones, has a great shot, is flashy, and can play a great game for a blueliner.

Has outstanding offensive instincts, plus the mobility to join the rush consistently and with aplomb. Can also be a factor on the power play. His skating is well above average, and he is comfortable playing on either side of the ice (which adds to his overall value). Lacks optimum size and strength, which he needs to gain in order to maximize output at the highest level.

He used all of the skills in his arsenal to contribute to the Rangers' 6-4 preseason win over the New York Islanders.

He would score two goals, to help keep him in the conversation with GM Chris Drury and head coach Laviolette.

Honestly, while the Rangers are once again banged up, with Lindgren out, wouldn't it make sense to consider someone like Jones who played 31 games for the Rangers last season?

He scored 9 points( 2 G, 7 A) in that timeframe.

«I knew I just had to come out in the third and make a name for myself and prove to these coaches I could do it night in and night out, so just tried to go out there and play my best,» Jones said.

He has proven himself capable of holding down a roster spot, and taken his medicine when he needed to.

As a fill-in for Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba has also proven himself to be a bit of an analytical darling as well.

Jones played mostly with Braden Schneider as an injury fill-in during Adam Fox's and Jacob Trouba's absences. In the pair's 206 minutes, they had passable puck possession and xG rates in mostly sheltered zone starts, but there was significant room for improvement as they were under 50% in both stats.

If he finds a spot in the New York Rangers lineup, it'll likely be the third-pairing, but it'll be great for him to continue to develop in New York.

Is he ready for a full-time role? I don't see why not, especially if he continues to develop nicely.

Source: The Hockey News
Zac Jones Turning Heads Through Training Camp And Preseason

Source: Blue Seat Blogs
2024 Zac Jones report card

Source: SportsForecaster
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