Rangers close to signing Zac Jones; expected to join lineup after quarantine
It looks like New York Rangers are going to be signing prospect defenseman Zac Jones after winning a National Championship. Per Frank Seravalli:
Rangers are close to signing 3rd-round pick Zac Jones out of UMass after winning the national title. Jones will report to Rangers, he’s burning the first year of his deal and #NYR expect him to be in lineup after quarantine.
Zac Jones from NCAA to NHL
UMASS defeated St. Cloud State 5-0 to capture the NCAA National Championship. For Rangers prospect defenseman Zac Jones he scored the opening goal which became the championship winning tally. He was also named to the Frozen Four All-Tournament team.
Oooofff what a goal by @zacrj51
Watch now on ESPN2!#FrozenFour#NewMass | #Flagship ? pic.twitter.com/XrJdf0up1s— UMass Hockey (@UMassHockey) April 9, 2021
In 2019, the Rangers made their third round selection by taking U.S. born defenseman Zac Jones. This season for UMASS he’s collected 8 goals and 23 points n 27 games to go with a +16 rating. The 20 year-old defenseman ranks third for all NCAA defensemen with 46 points dating back to last season. Now he’s drawing comparisons by his head coach to none other than Adam Fox.
UMASS head coach Greg Carvel had some glowing remarks about Jones. “He’s a high high end offensive player – he’ll be a similar player to Adam Fox in New York,” he said. “He’s getting physically stronger. His growth without the puck over the past two years has been outstanding. He’s an outstanding college player and he will be in the NHL someday.”
It looks like someday is coming soon enough. Jones would likely replace Libor Hajek on the third pair left side.
Trade Bait Tracker
More About:New York Rangers Analysis