When we look at the New York Rangers defense, there is a clear issue. New York struggles to get the puck out of its zone, and the Rangers need to find players that can help the current core. It got better in January, but the recent regression against the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche has the Blueshirts in a position where they need to find answers. The most burning question is that of Zac Jones and his future on the back end.
Weeks ago, the Rangers permitted Jones to find a new team that would take him on. Judging by the fact he's still a New York Ranger, there hasn't been much movement on that front, and it's left the Rangers in a position where his future remains unknown. Trading him is something they'd like to do, but with other pressing matters (like the J.T. Miller trade rumors), the Rangers still haven't sorted out Jones' future.
So where does this lead? Jones' situation needs a swift conclusion. He can be a throw-in for a more significant deal if the team the Rangers are dealing with wishes to acquire him, but that seems unlikely given that no one has come forward for his services to this point when he has had all this time to look for a new home somewhere. If trade isn't an option, the two sides must find another way to resolve this.
Waivers are an option, and it is something Chris Drury has threatened to use already this season, referring to his stand-off with former Rangers captain Jacob Trouba before he was traded to Anaheim. It would offer all 31 other teams the chance to pick up Jones for nothing, and it would let the Rangers free up a roster spot and a little more money to spend if they wish at this year's trade deadline. There are no pretty options, but this needs a swift conclusion.