Rangers’ young defender could secure a regular place in pre-season

The New York Rangers begin preseason Sunday afternoon in preparation for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The Rangers’ roster has seen some significant changes this offseason, including a few key departures. The loss of veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson has opened up a hole in the Rangers’ roster and created an opportunity for one of the team’s young, developing defensemen to solidify a regular role with the team.

Zac Jones could secure a place in Rangers squad in pre-season

23-year-old defenseman Zac Jones enters training camp with a great opportunity to become a regular on the Blueshirts this season, looking to become the team’s sixth defenseman and play on the third pairing alongside Braden Schneider.

Jones isn’t taking the opportunity for granted. He’s excited about the chance to compete for a regular spot on the roster and is coming in motivated during training camp, as he told Mollie Walker of The New York Post:

“This is a great opportunity for me,” Jones said Saturday at his locker, according to Walker and The Post. “That was my mindset all summer, that I had to come in and play my game and really prove to these coaches and staff that I could play the full 82 games. That’s my goal this year, to come in and be a regular.”

Jones appeared in 31 games for New York last season, tallying nine points (two goals, seven assists) while filling in for the injured Jacob Trouba. After primarily playing in a reserve role last season, Jones should become a regular in the lineup this season with the potential to develop into an even bigger role. Trouba’s future with the team after the upcoming season is uncertain. His eventual departure will provide Jones with another opportunity to step up to a bigger role.

Jones saw time on the ice during Trouba’s injury last season, but otherwise hasn’t had much time on the ice. He was controversially considered healthy for the postseason despite Trouba’s struggles and alleged injury. This season, however, Jones wants to be on the ice when it matters most:

“There’s definitely motivation from last year,” Jones said, according to The New York Post. “I want to be the guy who plays every game. Being the guy who was out most of last year, being a healthy backup, it gives you extra motivation. I’m right behind them, but I want to be a little bit more. I want to be where those guys are. I want to compete in the playoffs. So that’s definitely extra motivation for me.”

Jones must beat out competition for a spot in the lineup

While competition for the sixth-line defenseman spot is minimal, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Jones will compete with fellow defenseman Chad Ruhwedel for a regular spot in the lineup during the preseason.

Ruhwedel is entering his second season with the Blueshirts after being acquired by the team in a midseason trade in 2023. He appeared in just five games for the Rangers last season and didn’t record a single point. The 34-year-old defenseman brings a wealth of experience to the ice — his main advantage over the young Jones.

However, Jones makes up for his lack of experience with potential and talent. He has contributed quality minutes to the Rangers’ defensive corps in the past and seems poised for a regular role in the lineup. A strong preseason campaign should solidify Jones’ role on the team.