Rangers made a small move yesterday, re-signing RFA defender Zac Jones to a two-year contract. While his re-signing may not come as a surprise, the timing and duration might as well. Zac Jones’ contract shows the Rangers’ belief that they have a plan for the defenseman, even if he didn’t believe it last season in the NHL. Next season should be different, especially with a different coach who is more focused on structure.
1. Again, systems matter. It is something we will always preach here, even if it is overlooked by many. Peter Laviolette is nothing like Gerard Gallant, and may not want a slow and steady third pair. That slow and steady urge was only Gallant’s, and it hindered the Rangers’ ability to get consistent, successful exits into the area. Naturally, Jones fills the puck’s need, and his defense in the AHL appears to have improved.
2.
the #NYR RFA signed Zac Jones to a $2 x $812k AAV contract.
Jones, at 22, had one of the best LHD’s in the world #AHL this chapter.
He excels at breaking pucks from the D zone, thanks to his vision and passing ability.
You can see him taking on a role in Rangers BB2 unit. pic.twitter.com/rwSqh5G7qe
– Jacob Stoller (JLStoller) June 16, 2023
Jones’ defense was the main reason Gallant fired him, and while things should be considered, it seems like he’s got a huge improvement in the AHL. Either that or it was just too good for the AHL and needs the next level to make more improvements. Jones led well, played well on power, and was great on defense.
The only “concerns” are on strikes and blocks, which are certainly necessary but greatly exaggerated.
3. Defending isn’t all about blocking shots and hitting runs. After all, people criticized Jacob Trouba’s defensive play, and he was the team’s leader in both hitting and blocking last season. So if you want to make the argument that Jones is soft and can’t play defense, but also make the argument that turps are terrible defensively, pick lane. Jones’ positioning and control of the puck is why he is in the 99th percentile in xGA.
4. Disc control is a great need for bouncers. Outside of Adam Fox, they don’t have a single hard drive. K’Andre Miller may end up as another one, and he’s definitely shown flashes, but he’s not quite there yet. Looks like Jones was there. The fact that Zac Jones had a two-year contract meant that this wasn’t just an “indicative” deal or a contract designed for him to trade. He probably has the inside track to Point 3LD now.
Remember: rumor has it that Gallant and Chris Drury had a falling out over Jones. Gallant didn’t want it, and Drury thought it necessary. Just a rumor, but it has been reported in a few places. This also drove the Jones trade rumors and our feelings here that Matthew Robertson had the inside track. It’s amazing what the new coach does with the team outlook.
5. The main issue, aside from the area exits, was puck possession. Laviolette’s structure calls for the defense to engage in penetrations and zone exits, which Jones addresses. The defense also calls for more offensive involvement, which is another thing Jones addresses. He’s no Fox, not by a long shot, but his skill set is exactly what the Rangers need right now. Plus, it’s under $1 million, which makes it an inexpensive indoor option.
6. It’s easy to think Zac Jones’ contract wouldn’t matter, and Ben Harpur would get third. Under Gallant, I’d say that was probably true. Under Laviolette, I don’t think so. Given the structure, focus on including defense, and the key weaknesses this team has shown, Jones is the only cheap player who meets those needs. He’s also more NHL-ready than Robertson is, even if it’s relatively personal.
It’s also worth noting that, given the projected limited increase in the salary cap, Zac Jones’ contract fulfills a fourth need: cheap bodies that can play at the NHL level. And no, Penn Harbor doesn’t count.
7. What will be interesting to watch is how Jones posts. He and Braden Schneider They were mostly restricted to the Rangers fourth line At the time (Dryden Hunt, Ryan Reeves, Ryan Carpenter, Sammy Blais, Julien Gauthier).