LD Zac Jones - UMass (Amherst), NCAA (2019, 68th, NYR)
- Thread starter Frk It
- Start date
Kipper933
Remember the Kipper
Looked really good at the WJAC. I haven't seen him high on many rankings, but I could see him as high as early 2nd on my own.
Debrincat93
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Washington
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I'm a big fan of his game. He's got decent speed and offensive abilities but he looks best when picking the puck up behind his net and getting it up the ice. When he's set up in the offensive zone he is much more of a passer than a shooter but he does know how to get the puck to the net fairly well. That being said he is good at picking his spots and knowing when to pinch and take the puck deep to set up scoring chances. He was usually paired with Ronnie Attard who is a good 2019 draft prospect himself (although he's 20) but I always came away liking Jones much more. Surprised he isn't on more lists but I have no doubt a team takes him in rounds 3-5.
McDNicks17
Moderator
- Jan 17, 2018
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The couple of times I have seen him he really stands out with the puck on his stick.
Defensively he plays a basic game and tries to move the puck quickly. Nothing wrong with that--especially for a smallish d-man.
When he has the puck in the neutral or offensive zone he is dynamic. He has great control of both his body and the puck--making quick cuts and weaving between defenders.
I think Jones is a late second or early third round pick.
Defensively he plays a basic game and tries to move the puck quickly. Nothing wrong with that--especially for a smallish d-man.
When he has the puck in the neutral or offensive zone he is dynamic. He has great control of both his body and the puck--making quick cuts and weaving between defenders.
I think Jones is a late second or early third round pick.
AmericanDream
Thank you Elon!
I have a feeling this kid goes a tad bit higher than many are projecting. USHL rookie of the year, won defensive player of the week honors as well mid season..nobody really talking about him, but I can guarantee you he is on every teams radar..moving up every ranking list I have seen, HockeyProspect has him just outside the first 38th I believe..
untouchable21
I am not the guy you want to be wrong about.
MMC
Global Moderator
Pavel Buchnevich
Drury and Laviolette Must Go
Excellent pick. Absolute steal to get this guy in the third round. I thought he might've went in the late first or definitely the second.
Late riser due to having a great season, not talked about a lot because of where he played, incredibly productive and talented.
Late riser due to having a great season, not talked about a lot because of where he played, incredibly productive and talented.
William H Bonney
Registered User
What a pick by the Rangers. Agree with @Pavel Buchnevich, this is a late first / early second type of value in the 3rd round. Great skater, a lot of offensive skill, and while he's not big, he's a pretty feisty type of player at this size, similar to a guy like Krug. He's been one of my favorites and should be a really strong contender to make Team USA at the WJC.
He needs to pick his spots better as he can be a bit careless with the puck but he'll have 2-3 seasons in the NCAA to work on that.
He needs to pick his spots better as he can be a bit careless with the puck but he'll have 2-3 seasons in the NCAA to work on that.
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AmericanDream
Thank you Elon!
this pick confirms to me the following - we still have a lot of dumb GMs in the league for passing him up. that is all lol...
Polar Bear
Registered User
- May 15, 2018
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My personal pick to be the best player outside of Kakko for the Rangers in this draft 5 years from now.
Rempe73
RIP King of Pop
I feel the exact same way. For me, this is the steal of the draft for us. Maybe not now, but in 3-4 years.
Lays
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- Jan 22, 2017
- 13,559
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My favorite pick of the draft for us (aside from Kakko of course) Jones is so underrated. Cheered when this pick was made
Kipper933
Remember the Kipper
Among the top passing D in the draft. His breakouts are excellent and on-point, and his decision making with the puck in both ends is outstanding. Very smart player.
Pavel Buchnevich
Drury and Laviolette Must Go
tealhockey
@overtheboards
His comments were pretty effusive but to Zac's credit, he has really skyrocketed over the last few years. He's had a great curve developmentally, as a bantam and 15 year old he was kind of over-shadowed by talented teammates but he's always been talented, used to be quite small, since then he has grown and popped as a player. He was the man for his U18 team (alongside Shane Pinto), before his draft year, then he spent just one year in junior hockey and he was an impact player as a rookie. I think he's going to help UMass a lot and in time could be a powerplay, new-era NHL defenseman with great vision/passing and a good skill level.
Pavel Buchnevich
Drury and Laviolette Must Go
He only played two periods too, missed the last one to injury concern but it was just cramps.
Pavel Buchnevich
Drury and Laviolette Must Go
This was the quote, for those that don't subscribe.
Pronman’s NHL prospect impressions: Who is already raising...
Evgeny Oliker
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GeorgeKaplan
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GeorgeKaplan
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3 point night (24 in white) up to 5 points in 3 games
