Rangers coach impressed with Zac Jones’ growing confidence

Zac Jones is playing with the kind of confidence he’ll need to take advantage of his chance to grab a full-time role on the New York Rangers blue line. Coach Peter Laviolette is among those who’ve noticed.

“I think he’s played good minutes for us,” Laviolette said Friday. “He had a big night the other night (Tuesday), and I thought last night (Thursday) he was solid. I think when a player gets in there and they start to get confidence with how they’re moving the puck, how they’re defending, if they’re generating offense, I think that can add confidence and build you.”

Jones scored twice, had an assist and played 24:57 on Tuesday, when the Rangers used a six-goal third period to overcome the New York Islanders 6-4. He didn’t hit the score sheet on Thursday in New York’s 5-2 win against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden, but he did block two shots and was plus-1 while playing 19:43.

After spending all of last season with the Rangers but playing in just 31 games, Jones was regarded as having the inside track on a third-pair role after Erik Gustafsson left as a free agent this summer. But Laviolette feels the 23-year-old’s game still has more room to grow.

“I think so,” he said. “There’s probably steps to go. He’s pretty valuable as he sits already for our team and what he does and the way he plays the game and the way he skates, the minutes he takes down, who he plays against. But the impact on the penalty kill, the impact on the power play, to be able to go out there and find those minutes. I think that helps build confidence, when you’re feeling the puck and you’re on the power play and you’re doing good things as positive results.

“Those are good things; you can build on that. So, yes, I think there’s room.”

Rangers still waiting for Kappo Kakko to grow into an impact player

Laviolette took some responsibility on breakup day last June for not getting more out of Kaapo Kakko after the second player chosen in the 2019 NHL Draft had a disappointing season that included being a healthy scratch during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He’s eager to see Kakko expand his role this season.

“Nothing has changed in regard to that,” he said of the end-of-season conversation with Kakko. “The conversation is from last year. I think that the player is always looking for an opportunity to expand his role, to have an impact on the team.

“I had mentioned that you try to target some players to try to elevate their game. He was one of them, and it probably didn’t hit the way he wanted or the way I wanted or we wanted. Those conversations were just to reset and come back into camp in great shape, which he did, and find more of an impact inside the game.”

Kakko hasn’t had a point in the two preseason games he’s played, but Laviolette was pleased with his play in New York’s win against Boston on Thursday, when the 23-year-old forward led the Rangers with seven shots on goal.

“I thought his line last night was really good,” the coach said of the trio of Kakko, Filip Chytil and Will Cuylle. “I thought the puck was on his stick quite a bit. To be able to have that balance and that kind of depth in your top nine, wherever it pans out, can make you a really dangerous hockey team. Nothing has really changed from that with regard to going into this season. I’m sure (he’d) like to be a part of the power-play units. I’m sure (he’d) like to have more minutes, more impact. I’d like to facilitate that if I can. It’s got to be warranted as well, but it’s been a good start for him.”