This blog continues with addressing the list of offseason questions. The next column will likely go through those questions that were covered in free agency and therefore are basically resolved. But this column, partially posted to change the tone and tenor from the comments of the prior blog, we look at one of the key topics heading into training camp and the season down the road
11) Are you comfortable with Zac Jones as the sixth d-man or should New York add a veteran blueliner?
The mildly snarky answer would be to say, well it’s not as if the Rangers have a choice. As much as that might be slightly tongue in cheek mixed with a dose of snark, it’s true. Erik Gustafsson, who was the team’s sixth d-men last season, parlayed a relatively solid campaign with the Rangers - more early than late - into a two-year, $4 million deal with the Red Wings. GM Chris Drury did little in free agency, partially impacted by the lack of room and partially impacted by the Jacob Trouba situation, leaving the top-six remaining from last year basically untouched.
Braden Schneider signed a two-year deal with a $2.2 million AAV. Ryan Lindgren, also an RFA, will eventually sign with New York, either via arb award or agreement on a contract. The years and dollars are to be determined. Adam Fox, K’Andre Miller and Trouba make up the remainder, no snide intended by that term, of the blue line. Chad Ruhwedel, Ben Harpur, Connor Mackey and Casey Fitzgerald will serve as the immediate depth behind that population, followed by prospects Victor Mancini, Matthew Robertson and Brandon Scanlin.
Due to the lack of free agent signings - Ruhwedel and Fitzgerald notwithstanding - and ready for prime time player in the minors (though I like Mancini a lot), Jones is the man by default. Last year in the playoffs, many of us were clamoring for Jones when New York struggled against Florida. His skill set, and see below what Vince Mercogliano wrote, was one that the team was vastly lacking against Panthers and at times, during the year. Jones has paid his dues. He stepped in nicely last year when Adam Fox was out as well as when Trouba was sidelined. The only way to see as to whether or not his growth and maturity over the last few years has resulted in a productive blue liner is to play him.
Vince Mercogliano posted a good summary as to the pros and cons for Jones in his column on the 5 thoughts of an offseason gone quiet.
There is still work to be done, as evidenced by a modest nine points (two goals and seven assists) in 31 games played and a 48.3% xGF, according to Natural Stat Trick. Many still question the 5-foot-10, 176-pounder's strength and ability to clear the net front, but that's where Trouba could provide balance if the partnership materializes.
Where Jones can help is by efficiently advancing pucks. He's the Rangers' best passing defenseman after Adam Fox, with the hands, vision and mobility to improve zone entries and exits for a D corps that's struggled in those areas. Doing it for a team-friendly $812,500 cap hit adds to the appeal.
Coach Peter Laviolette will likely shelter Jones and Trouba in terms of their matchups, at least initially. If Jones shows he is up to the task and his weaknesses have been somewhat addressed, then the reigns might be relaxed. Of course that also is dependent on what version of Trouba we see, the early 2023-24 one that was solid or the late in the year version. I for one am looking forward to see what Jones can do with a regular role. He will struggle, but if he can show growth during the season and be peaking late, then the move to go with him as the sixth bueliner will look even better. If not, well you can fill in the black.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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