New York Rangers defenseman Zac Jones is dissatisfied with his recent treatment on the team. He hasn’t participated in a game since December 23 against the New Jersey Devils, and in a conversation with Larry Brooks from the New York Post, he expressed his frustration candidly. “It (expletive) sucks, it (expletive) sucks,” Jones stated on January 1. “It’s frustrating to feel like you’re performing well but still being taken out repeatedly. I feel like I’m just wasting away a bit.”
Over the past five games, Jones has been a healthy scratch four times, coinciding with the Rangers’ four-game losing streak and a dismal 2-8-0 record in their last ten games. “I’m not a 32-year-old guy just collecting a paycheck,” said the 24-year-old Jones. “I want to earn my paycheck. I need to play and work on improving to become a regular player, which is my goal.”
A third-round pick in 2019, Jones has played 26 games for the Rangers this season, scoring one goal and contributing seven assists. When he does get ice time, he averages a career-high of 16:41 minutes. He has also seen some time on the second power-play unit and has recorded 24 shots on goal, 14 hits, and 16 blocked shots throughout the year.
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette understands Jones’ frustrations, acknowledging how challenging the season has been for many. “It’s okay to be frustrated. I’m completely fine with that,” Laviolette remarked. “Everyone wants to play at this level.”
Currently, the Rangers hold a 16-19-1 record and find themselves seven points away from a playoff position in the Eastern Conference as they approach Thursday’s games.
