Changes in a player’s role can impact their morale, particularly when it results in reduced playing time. This is the predicament that Zac Jones, defenseman for the New York Rangers, is currently facing, and he’s expressing his dissatisfaction.
During the Rangers’ initial practice of 2025 on Wednesday, Jones found himself once again as the No. 7 defenseman. With only six defensemen typically dressing for games, this puts him out of the lineup once more. This isn’t new for Jones, who also spent time as the extra defenseman last season, although he did manage to play a career-high 31 games, amassing nine points (two goals, seven assists).
Jones was candid about his feelings regarding this situation.
“It’s tough. It’s really [expletive] tough,” he told the media post-practice. “I’m generally a pretty easygoing, happy person, and no matter what’s happening in my life, I try to arrive at the rink with a smile… But it [expletive] sucks. There’s no other way to put it.”
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette recognized Jones’ frustration, noting that recent significant roster changes have necessitated tough decisions that not all players would be content with. “You’re frustrated and wanting to play. Anyone out of the lineup would feel the same way,” Laviolette said. “The roster has changed on the back end, and different players bring different elements. That’s the situation we’re in now. It’s natural to feel frustrated; everyone wants to compete.”
“We’ll take it day by day. We can only dress six defensemen tomorrow. We’ll select those six and proceed from there.”
As for Jones, expectations coming into the season were for him to play a crucial role. The 24-year-old has recorded eight points (one goal, seven assists) with a plus-2 rating in 26 games, participating in 20 of the last 21 games. However, he was a healthy scratch during both games of the post-Christmas trip to Florida and has sat out four of the past five games.
After Erik Gustafsson’s departure in the summer, Jones was anticipated to have a larger role, but he lost playing time to rookie Victor Mancini earlier in the season and has now fallen behind two recent acquisitions—Urho Vaakanainen from the Anaheim Ducks in the Jacob Trouba trade and Will Borgen from a deal involving Kaapo Kakko and the Seattle Kraken.
With K’Andre Miller returning from injury and Adam Fox, Ryan Lindgren, and Braden Schneider solidified in their roles, Jones finds himself on the outside looking in.
Jones did mention the potential of requesting a trade but indicated that he would consult with his agent and family before approaching Rangers management.
“I’ll have to talk with my agent, my family, and… yeah, probably at some point, have a conversation with [general manager Chris] Drury or Laviolette and see what happens,” Jones said. “I don’t have a crystal ball to determine my next steps, but we’ll see how things unfold.”
Unless an injury occurs, Jones is likely to sit in the press box again when the Rangers host the Boston Bruins in their first game of 2025 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.
