Of all the things you could call Zac Jones, patient is certainly one of them. The 2019 third-round draft pick had looked to become a regular in the NHL two years ago when he started the season as a defenseman on the Rangers’ third pairing. However, that dream quickly faded after Thanksgiving when Jones was sent down to AHL Hartford, where he spent the remaining 54 games of the season.
Coming into the 2023-24 season, Zac Jones found himself as the Rangers’ seventh defenseman—a step up in that he made the NHL roster. He still lacked consistent ice time, which could have been seen as a setback for his development. At least this time around, he wasn’t losing time to the stellar play of Libor Hajek or Ben Harpur.
Instead, Jones threw himself into practice and preparation rather than taking the news and sulking. This mindset paid off, especially when the opportunity knocked late in the season. When Jacob Trouba broke his ankle in early March, Jones was called upon to play 13 straight games, during which he demonstrated that he belonged in the NHL. It was the best the 23-year-old had looked during his NHL stints and likely paved the way for a starting role this season.
With veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson departing for Detroit and the Rangers opting not to sign a seasoned replacement, the chance was left open for Jones. The message was clear once free agency ended. Jones, who arrived at training camp visibly stronger, was determined to capitalize on the opportunity and leave nothing to chance.
Players like Harpur, Connor Mackey, and Chad Ruhwedel, along with younger prospects such as Victor Mancini, Matthew Robertson, and Brandon Scanlin, were all vying for a spot, but Jones’ skillset—particularly his puck handling, mobility, and playmaking and experience—gave him a clear advantage and significant upside. The Lindgren injury cemented Mancini’s reward with NHL time following his strong preseason, but the 3LD spot was always Zac Jones’ to lose.
That potential was evident during the Rangers second preseason game against the Islanders, where Jones scored twice—once on a crafty breakaway, and later with a powerful slap shot from above the left circle. To cap off his performance, he added an assist on Adam Edstrom’s game-winning goal, redirected in front with less than a minute remaining.
Some believed Jones might need a change of scenery to secure such a role, but by staying patient, he’s now on the verge of achieving it with the very team that drafted him. While questions remain about his ability to handle bigger forwards, particularly in front of the net, Jones is finally set to tackle those concerns throughout a full NHL season.
