There's a lot to like about Zac Jones. To wit:
1. He's from Virginia. (How many NHL players do you know who come from Virginia?)
2. He's 24, perfect age for a budding defenseman.
3. He starred in every which way at Hartford before being imported to Manhattan.
4. The Rangers need defensemen.
But wait. I mean WAIT A MINUTE. Zac Jones is not a Ranger any more. No, not a trade; they unloaded the guy just that.
We're talking about a solid prospect who starred for the UMass championship team who has all the goods but size (5-10, 176) and management on his side.
"He was a healthy scratch 36 times," says The Old Scout. "That's hardly enough ice time to judge a defenseman. This dropping the guy is hard to figure."
My Israeli grandson Ariel Fischler spent two years playing hockey in Switzerland and another in the States. He's a Rangers fan, and knows his pucks so I figured I'd get a good Zac Jonews explanation from him.
"He's got skill," says Ariel, "but he's too small."
And he left it at that.
So have the Rangers "left it at that" so I guess I'd better leave it at that as well. But if I'm the Islanders new boss Mathieu Darche, I'd grab Jones in an Elmont second.
Hey, the Islanders rehabbed Tony DeAngelo and he's now better than 90 percent of the Rangers defensemen!
And on some nights, 100 percent!
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