Which Rangers Skaters Will Have Bigger Roles Next Season?

Zac Jones

The Rangers may want to add size to the back end, but as with the last number of players listed, the salary cap ceiling, free agency, trades, or buyouts may affect how the front office can fill out the roster.

Jones is an NHL defenseman and played his best hockey at the end of the regular season with Jacob Trouba sidelined. He put in the extra work to refine his game.

If Jones remains in the organization by the end of the summer, an offseason that could shake up the Rangers' core group, he may have an opportunity to play as a regular next season.

He may play in Erik Gustaffsons' role as the 3RD, but questions loom with defensive roles. Gustaffson (UFA) has played on many one-year deals and may want to settle in New York. He will likely look for a two-year deal elsewhere if an agreement is not reached.

That would mean the organization sees him as expendable, as they may search for a defender with size on the open market or an in-house option- Zac Jones.