The New York Rangers have not provided Zac Jones with regular playing time in the 2024/25 season, leading him to express his frustration towards head coach Peter Laviolette due to inconsistent minutes, despite his strong performances.
After a promising beginning, the Rangers’ season has taken a disastrous turn, culminating in the trades of their captain, Jacob Trouba, and young forward, Kaapo Kakko. Kakko was dealt shortly after voicing concerns about Laviolette, and now Jones has echoed similar feelings, sharing his discontent with New York Post reporter Larry Brooks.
“I’m generally a pretty easygoing, happy person. No matter what, I try to come to the rink with a smile… But it f***ing sucks,” Jones stated.
When questioned about Kakko’s trade, Jones clarified that he isn’t seeking a trade but merely expressing his frustration with his situation. “I’m not trying to pull a Kaapo here,” he remarked.
When given chances, Jones has performed well, boasting a +2 rating and 8 points while primarily playing on the third pairing. Though he has demonstrated that he can be a capable full-time NHL player, his limited role this season has heightened his frustration.
Acknowledging the situation, Laviolette expressed understanding, stating, “It’s okay to be frustrated. I’m perfectly fine with that. Everyone wants to play at this level.”
With the recent trade of Trouba, it seems likely that Ryan Lindgren will also be moved soon, which opens the door for Jones to finally receive more opportunities to showcase his talents at the NHL level.
