Zachary Jones

November 2022  Jones made the Rangers out of training camp, and has appeared in 11 games so far this year, posting one goal and one assist.  He has been a healthy scratch on several occasions this year, ceding playing time to fellow LHD Libor Hajek.  Jones has played with confidence, but has made some unforced errors, which has been the cause of his fluctuation in and out of the lineup.  If Jones can clean up a few of his mistakes, he has a great opportunity to earn more playing time throughout the course of the season.  NYR defensemen have already lost some man games this season due to injury, so there will undoubtedly be more opportunities forthcoming for the puck moving lefty.  Brendan Ferry

July 2022 – UMass product Jones, who split time this year between the Rangers and AHL Hartford, is looking to carve out a permanent roster spot on next year’s Rangers team. Jones, the gifted puck mover and playmaking defenseman’s biggest challenge in doing so is the overall depth on both the NYR blueline and in the team’s prospect pool. There should be one spot up for grabs moving into next season on the blueline. Both Patrik Nemeth and Libor Hajek could be on the move for salary cap and performance reasons. Jones or fellow prospect Nils Lundkvist, if neither is traded this offseason, are a decent bet to grab onto the role of third pair defenseman, alongside Braden Schneider. Jones, who posted 35 points this year in 52 games with Hartford, hopes to make the permanent jump. Brendan Ferry

April 2021 – After playing a prominent role in his sophomore season with the National Champion UMass Minutemen, Zach Jones has signed an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers. It’s been reported that Jones will join the Rangers immediately, in turn, burning the first year of his contract. Although it’s unlikely that his immediately deployment will be favorable in terms of extensive offensive opportunity, Jones’ long-term future with the organization looks very bright. Considering the success that the organization has had with fostering development with NCAA alumni Adam Fox and K’andre Miller, Jones is poised to continue an extremely impressive trend. Brayden Olafson

January 2020 – The American defenseman had somewhat of a coming-out party at the 2020 WJC in the Czech Republic. Despite a disappointing finish for the red, white and blue, Jones surprised many by playing a relatively prominent role. He’s also having an excellent rookie season with UMass Amherst, giving the impression that he could be ready to sign an NHL contract prior to his Junior year with the Minutemen. As a recent third-round draft-pick, Jones’ value is climbing quickly from where it was only six months ago. Brayden Olafson

June 2019 – Jones was drafted by the New York Rangers in the third round of the 2019 Entry draft. He recently concluded a highly successful offensive campaign with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL and will attend UMass Amherst in the fall. He’s a nimble blueliner who takes his offense seriously. Brayden Olafson