Now that the New York Rangers regular season is officially over as they failed to make the playoff contention, their young defenseman has taken some time to reflect on the long season.
Despite it not being the New York Rangers best season, 24-year old defenseman Zac Jones feels like he has made some personal strides regardless of the ups and downs.
Over the last two years, Jones played 31 games during the 2023-24 season and 46 games through the 2024-25 campaign.
However, he feels that the increase in games this season, has helped with many improvements.
«I think first of all my confidence with the puck,» Jones said of the improvements he's made this season. «Last year getting a few more games helped and this year I kind of got a few more. I think just playing helps. You learn a lot more playing. I think for me defensively I've taken a big step.
«That's kind of been a focus for myself the past couple of years is really trying to get better defensively and I really think I have. Good stick, being more aggressive on guys, being harder on guys, I think I've gotten better with that for sure.»
«That's kind of been a focus for myself the past couple of years is really trying to get better defensively and I really think I have. Good stick, being more aggressive on guys, being harder on guys, I think I've gotten better with that for sure.»
The 24-year-old defenseman played a big role on the second power-play unit for parts of the season and even spent a small period of time on the first power-play unit.
Zac Jones takes accountability and reveals he could have downs better job this season
«I would have liked a little more production from myself personally,» Jones said. «I pride myself on being a power-play guy, offensive defenseman. I definitely had a lot of looks this year and I didn't capitalize.»
Within the last two season, Jones has faced a ton of pressure and controversy, as he hasn't played as many games as he would have liked.
Thankfully, when the defenseman starts to think of himself negatively, he stops and understands all things he has accomplished so far.
«I grew up in a black and white family where everything was either told good or bad,» said Jones. «That's just the way I've been raised, so it's hard on myself, but I play in the NhL and that's a special thing. If I'm too hard on myself, I just try to take a breather.»
Hopefully next season will be better for the young defenseman, if GM Chris Drury decides to keep him with the organization.
