New York Rangers: 5 prospects to focus closely on

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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – MAY 01: Zac Jones #6 of the New York Rangers skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on May 01, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Zac Jones D

Zac Jones played 29 games this past season with UMass Amherst and played fantastically. He scored nine goals and recorded 24 points after an already impressive first collegiate season. From here, he decided to begin his professional hockey career. In 10 games with the Rangers, the 20-year-old defenseman looked solid, as he totaled four assists.

Yet, with the Rangers adding Patrik Nemeth this off-season, the left side of the backend is entirely filled. This means for Jones to have a spot in the Rangers’ top-six, he would have to play on his off-side. With 2018 first-round pick Nils Lundkvist signing his entry-level deal, Jones does have a lot of competition. Furthermore, the Rangers have newcomer Jarred Tinordi, Libor Hájek and Anthony Bitetto as depth options. Thus, Jones may find himself in the AHL to start the year.

However, with him still being so young, this would not be a bad thing at all. Like Barron, he would be a very solid call-up option when injuries arise. Furthermore, spending some time in Hartford would allow him to work on his defensive play, too. He appears to have a bright future and showed this season that he can compete in the NHL. At this juncture, though, the Rangers may have too many defensemen for him to play regularly this season.

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