The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with defenseman Zac Jones on a two-year contract extension, the team said today. The New York Post’s Mollie Walker reports the deal carries an $812,500 average annual value and is a one-way deal in both seasons.
Getting Jones under contract early into June takes care of one of many depth defenders the Rangers have to give new deals. An early third-round pick of the team in 2019, Jones signed his entry-level contract after just two seasons of college hockey at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has seen NHL ice in each of the past three campaigns, including a goal and an assist in 16 appearances this year.
He’s still looking to secure a full-time role, but extended time in the minors has been kind to him. Jones has recorded 66 points in 106 games with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack since 2021, making significant strides in his defensive game this year as well.
Jones’ cap hit comes in lower than the $874,125 qualifying offer he was due, but a one-way deal over the course of two seasons guarantees him quite a bit more money. It’ll also help his chances for a recall or even making the team out of camp – every dollar against the cap counts in a tight situation like the Rangers’, and they’ll be looking for offensive contributions from more mobile defenders like Jones. Signing him to a one-way deal reflects that, and it should be a safe bet to see Jones play a career-high in NHL games during the upcoming campaign.
Solid move. Kid could be something special. Now, if you trade him, the cap hit is amazing and if you keep him, it gives the team time to develop him for cheap
He could be a good one if he gets a chance.
Love the move. Thought they should’ve kept him up after moving Lundqvist. Kid has solid 2nd line potential, just needs the consistent opportunity.
Too small. Can’t have 2 defenseman under 6ft and win anything