Why Zac Jones is the Solution for the Rangers’ Defense Next Season
The New York Rangers are expected to see changes in their defensive lineup in the upcoming season.
Erik Gustafsson, who played under a one-year, league-minimum contract, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Additionally, Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren will require new restricted free agent (RFA) deals.
The Rangers are anticipated to renew Schneider’s contract easily, likely offering him a bridge deal following his entry-level contract. However, the futures of Gustafsson and Lindgren are less certain.
While there is a possibility that Gustafsson could be re-signed, it is more likely that the Rangers will let him go. Lindgren, on the other hand, will be entering unrestricted free agency in a year and will seek a secure and substantial contract, given his current $3 million average annual value (AAV). The Rangers might be hesitant to commit to a long-term contract with Lindgren due to his injury history and physically demanding style of play, which could affect his longevity.
As a result, General Manager Chris Drury will likely need to fill at least one spot in the top six defensemen.
While the Rangers have the option to look at the open market, they have an excellent internal candidate in Zac Jones.
Jones, a former third-round pick from UMass, will be 24 years old next season and has played 69 NHL games over four seasons. He showed significant promise this past season as the team’s seventh defenseman, indicating he is ready for a regular role.
Jones debuted in the NHL in April 2021 after helping UMass win an NCAA title just 12 days prior. Despite early excitement, he struggled to secure consistent playing time as younger talents like Schneider and K’Andre Miller quickly solidified their positions alongside regulars like Lindgren, Adam Fox, and Jacob Trouba.
Jones managed only eight points and a -11 plus-minus rating in his first 38 NHL games, often shuttling between the Rangers and their minor league affiliate in Hartford.
This past season, Jones showed considerable improvement, spending the entire season with the Rangers. He played a career-high 31 NHL games, including a stretch of 13 consecutive games from March 9 to April 1, due to injuries to Lindgren, Trouba, and Gustafsson.
While he did not become the offensive force some anticipated, Jones scored two goals in 31 games, an improvement from his single goal in his first 38 games. He also tallied nine points this season, compared to eight in his previous three seasons combined.
For the first time in his NHL career, Jones had a positive plus-minus rating (+1) and displayed confident puck-moving skills and solid defensive zone play that had been inconsistent before.
Though his metrics were not outstanding, with a 47.13 expected goals for percentage (xGF%) and below-average defensive rating according to Evolving Hockey, Jones passed the eye test and seemed to be finding his footing with the Rangers.
Jones’ performance after January was particularly noteworthy, with a +8 rating and strong play that earned him praise from coach Peter Laviolette.
“He worked hard every day, you guys saw it, that was never an issue,” Laviolette told reporters in late March. “He’s skating really well. He’s moving the puck really well. He’s competing on the puck really well. He sees the ice. His skating has been noticeable. He’s been a really solid player for us.”
Jones did not play in the Rangers’ Stanley Cup Playoff run as the veteran defensemen returned from injuries. Despite some defensive struggles in the postseason, it would have been a bold move to replace experienced players with the less-seasoned Jones.
Looking ahead to next season, Jones offers Drury a dependable replacement from within the organization.
With a cap hit of $812,500, Jones provides good value. Drury found value in Gustafsson’s $845,000 deal this past season, but Gustafsson is likely to seek a raise, and it’s uncertain if he did enough to justify a return.
As the Rangers approach the offseason with $12.45 million in cap space, incorporating Jones into the starting lineup would allow Drury more flexibility and creativity in managing that space.
While Gustafsson and Lindgren are proven quantities with little room for growth, Jones still has untapped potential.
If Jones continues to play as he did in March and April, he would be a worthy addition to the Rangers’ top-six defensemen next season. Moreover, at just 24 years old and with limited NHL experience, Jones has the potential for significant development if given regular playing time.
In summary, Zac Jones is poised to be a key solution for the Rangers’ defense next season. His improved performance, cost-effectiveness, and potential for growth make him an excellent candidate to step into a larger role, providing the Rangers with both stability and flexibility as they navigate the upcoming season.
