Rangers Roundup: Zac Jones impresses for Team USA as they go for Bronze at World Championships, and more

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Zac Jones
May 1, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Zac Jones (6) plays the puck against New York Islanders right wing Leo Komarov (47) during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Rangers defenseman Zac Jones was named one of the three best players for Team USA at the World Championships. He has 3 assists in 9 contests to date in the tournament. The 20 year-old blue-liner was selected in the 3rd round of the 2019 draft and had 4 points in 10 games for the Blueshirts this season.

Zac Jones impresses at WC

Unfortunately for Team USA, they fell to Team Canada 4-2 and will now play Germany for the Bronze medal. Colin Blackwell scored in the loss and Kevin Rooney also picked up an assist.

Team USA last won Gold at the WC in 1960. They last claimed Silver in 1956 and Bronze in 2018. In total USA has 2 Gold, 9 Silver, 8 Bronze for a total of 19 medals since 1920. If they can medal in this tournament it would still be an accomplishment, but still disappointing as it appeared they were the favorites to win Gold heading into the medal round.

“Being drafted was a great experience. I spoke to the Rangers once and didn’t think they were going to pick me,” Jones recalled. “I was at the draft with my parents, my advisor and my high school coach. It was awesome. I initially didn’t want to go but I am happy I changed my mind.”

Zac Jones on almost not attending the draft
zac jones
Elsa/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports

Braden Schneider playing for Gold

Another Rangers defenseman is prospect Braden Schneider who will be playing for the Gold Medal against Finland. The young defenseman played under 5 minutes in the victory, but finished with a plus/minus rating of +1.

Another potential Rangers note is that Gerard Gallant led Team Canada from an 0-3 start in the tournament to the Gold Medal game. Gallant remains the top candidate to land the Rangers job.

Mika Zibanejad’s next contract

In case you missed it, I touched on Mika Zibanejad’s next contract. You can read more about it in the link below.

Rangers Mika Zibanejad next contract likely to come close to NHL Trade Deadline
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Rangers Mika Zibanejad next contract likely to come close to NHL Trade Deadline

Latest NHL Rumors

Here’s the latest NHL Rumors that includes the Sabres, Rangers, Blue Jackets, and Kings. Read more here.

NHL Rumors: Sabres going to let another team deal with Jack Eichel’s injury, and Kings targeting Seth Jones
By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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