Zac Jones Gains the trust of Peter Laviolette; is Victor Mancini headed back to the AHL?

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Joshua Deeds
November 9, 2024 (11:55 PM)

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It was said that Victor Mancini and Zac Jones would share the 6th defenseman position in the Rangers lineup.

And after Mancini had played a consecutive 9 of 10 games, Peter Laviolette has shifted priorities.

Against the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders, he went with Zac Jones, instead of Mancini. A two-way defenseman in his rookie season with the Rangers.

Jones will slot in tonight against the Red Wings, while the rookie defenseman will get a chance to watch the game.

Jones's play had earned the trust of Head Coach Laviolette and has given him more responsibilities as he is now on the 2nd power-play unit.

So what's Laviolette's take on Mancini's status with a few scratches?

«You're talking about a couple games here, but he's played quite a bit,» Laviolette said via Colin Stephenson of Newsday. «He practices every day. He gets to work on things that can improve his game. Practices at an NHL pace and tries to keep himself ready.»

Is this simply a way of Laviolette feeling out how both Jones and Mancini would be fit for the team long-term?

In 7 games Zac Jones has 3 points, with a +6 rating. Last season in 31 games with the Rangers the defenseman put up 9 points( 2 G, 7 A) with a +1 and 8 PIMs.

The team hasn't seen the full potential of Jones, as during his career he's been used sparingly, by both Peter Laviolette and Gerard Gallant.

Could his recent statement give you an insight into why Laviolette has decided to use him more in the lineup?

«Really my work in the D-zone,» Jones said about what part of his game he is looking to build. «Just being aggressive, being harder on guys. Obviously I'm not going to be a guy that goes out and kills people, but just want to use my stick, use my feet, positioning stuff like that. Being more of a factor defensively.»

It sounds like Jones is ready to take a leap forward and solidify his position in the Rangers lineup.

Could it mean Mancini is bound for Hartford?