Zac Jones Noncommittal About Future With Rangers As Free Agency Decision Looms

Zac Jones’ future with the New York Rangers seems to be uncertain. 

While he played 15 more games compared to the 2023-24 season, Jones still couldn’t find a consistent role in the Rangers’ lineup as he was scratched for a large part of the year. 

The 24-year-old’s frustration reached a boiling point in January when he proclaimed to the media he was “rotting away” with the Rangers. 

“It (expletive) sucks, it (expletive) sucks,” Jones told Larry Brooks of the New York Post in January. “It’s frustrating when you think you’re doing some things well, and it’s just, you just keep getting taken out, taken out, taken out. I just feel like I’m rotting away a little bit.”

Months after making those comments Jones doesn't regret his words, but feels he should have dealt with his emotions privately instead of speaking about his situation with media members. 

“I said what I said this year and I don’t take it back,” Jones said. “I stand by what I said. When you’re in this role, some days are better than others and you get asked question, question, question. I know you guys have a job to do, but at the same time, it eats at you. I kind of just blew up, I shouldn’t have said what I said to you guys. That’s on me and I should have kept it private and in the locker room, but sometimes things happen and emotions get the best of you.” 

Jones is set to become a restricted free agent this summer and his role with the Rangers leads to some questions on where he stands with the organization. 

When addressing his contract status, Jones was noncommittal about re-signing with the Blueshirts. 

“Whatever happens this summer with contracts whether I’m here or somewhere else, I’m going to give my best,” said Jones. “I’d love to be here and I love the New York Rangers organization. We’ll see what happens this summer. I’m not focused on a role or anything like that, kind of focusing on myself this summer and working on things I need to improve on.”

Even if Jones stays with the Rangers, he’ll be playing under a new head coach, which sparks a new sense of opportunity.

He’s prepared for whatever happens this offseason as he’ll look to shift his mindset and prove that he could be a reliable NHL defenseman. 

“For me, if it's here or somewhere else, getting back to my game and proving whoever trusts me right and prove whoever doesn't trust me wrong,” Jones said. “As simple as that.”