Prospect Info: Zachary Jones, LD, 3rd round, 68th overall, 2019

[Amazing Kreiderman]

It's not at all misleading, AK. The US really values guys that it throws on the WJSS. It's correct to say that Jones may be a slight long-shot, but the US brass really likes him.

I know, but my point is that the US has 2 full rosters at the WJSS, unlike Finland and Sweden for instance. That's all. He's definitely on the shortlist for a spot

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Politics will likely get in the way of him making it even if he tears it up.

based on ability? There is no reason for a scrub like Mattias Samuelsson to make it over him.

Politics would help more than hurt him. He’s played in the US system his entire youth and then went to the NCAA, they love that.

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

Politics would help more than hurt him. He’s played in the US system his entire youth and then went to the NCAA, they love that.

Yeah, I was confused by the politics comment too. Historically, it's been the kids who choose to play in the CHL rather than NCAA who get shafted.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

I know, but my point is that the US has 2 full rosters at the WJSS, unlike Finland and Sweden for instance. That's all. He's definitely on the shortlist for a spot

Sure but that's all nyr was saying. So I was just clarifying that a bit. The US brass loves the kid. Don't be surprised if he gets a spot.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

Politics would help more than hurt him. He’s played in the US system his entire youth and then went to the NCAA, they love that.

Yes, Jones may potentially be the token "WAHHH THIS GUY ONLY MADE IT DUE TO POLITICS WAHHH" complaint from the main board this year. Ironically, it wouldn't be accurate, but I can see it happening.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Politics would help more than hurt him. He’s played in the US system his entire youth and then went to the NCAA, they love that.

yeah but he’s not an NTDP guy like York,Samuelsson, Miller and others who will be vying for spots.

USA hockey loves Samuelsson the way that the Rangers love Staal.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Yes, Jones may potentially be the token "WAHHH THIS GUY ONLY MADE IT DUE TO POLITICS WAHHH" complaint from the main board this year. Ironically, it wouldn't be accurate, but I can see it happening.

I went and looked through the 2020 WJC USA Discussion thread on the international tournaments board and it seems like there’s a pretty decent amount of support for him to make the team based on everything he’s done so far

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

yeah but he’s not an NTDP guy like York,Samuelsson, Miller and others who will be vying for spots.

USA hockey loves Samuelsson the way that the Rangers love Staal.

Yea, NTDP kids are basically given a spot by default. Have to earn their way off vs on. I do kind of understand from a familiarity standpoint in a short tournament. But it’s the truth.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

I went and looked through the 2020 WJC USA Discussion thread on the international tournaments board and it seems like there’s a pretty decent amount of support for him to make the team based on everything he’s done so far

That's actually good, then! People are recognizing how damn well he's played. That makes me happy.

 

[kovazub94]

Yeah, I was confused by the politics comment too. Historically, it's been the kids who choose to play in the CHL rather than NCAA who get shafted.

Outside of "pure" performance, the perception is that the first nod goes to those that have (had) association with NTDP, then NCAA then CHL.

 

[kovazub94]

Yes, Jones may potentially be the token "WAHHH THIS GUY ONLY MADE IT DUE TO POLITICS WAHHH" complaint from the main board this year. Ironically, it wouldn't be accurate, but I can see it happening.

I went and looked through the 2020 WJC USA Discussion thread on the international tournaments board and it seems like there’s a pretty decent amount of support for him to make the team based on everything he’s done so far

At the rate that Jones has been producing it would be pretty difficult to claim that his selection to the WJC (if it happen) would be based on anything other than his hockey performance.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Sure but that's all nyr was saying. So I was just clarifying that a bit. The US brass loves the kid. Don't be surprised if he gets a spot.

The 2019 draft looks good early on. I hope we can say the same thing next year and watch these kids progress.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

The 2019 draft looks good early on. I hope we can say the same thing next year and watch these kids progress.

Gotta be happy thus far!!!

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Gotta be happy thus far!!!

Even Hunter Skinner has had a surprisingly good start

 

[Rempe73]

7 primary points in 4 games...what a beast. Has anyone been watching him play?

 

[NYR Viper]

Is this the Rangers version of Adam Fox?

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Is this the Rangers version of Adam Fox?

Could be, but Jones is a better skater

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Is this the Rangers version of Adam Fox?

Wouldn’t that be Adam Fox?

 

[kovazub94]

Is this the Rangers version of Adam Fox?

Would the Rangers be forced to trade him afraid he'd not sign with the team?

 

[Fitzy]

I love having so many NCAA prospects, makes it much easier to keep track of them, plus I get to watch a lot more of the games.

But yeah right now Aaltonen's slow offensive start is about the only thing to be pissy about. That and the fact that Rykov still isnt playing. Hell NYR might have to take a long look at Lundkvist and consider if he might be worth offering to come over next season.

Jones, from what I read, is much more of a raw athletic talent than Fox. Not many players have Fox's hockey IQ.

 

[Levitate]

The Rangers have to sign Lundkvist next season anyways right? Sure they could loan him back but I bet he gets a shot in the prospect tourney and maybe training camp

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

The Rangers have to sign Lundkvist next season anyways right? Sure they could loan him back but I bet he gets a shot in the prospect tourney and maybe training camp

No. EU based players' rights are retained for 4 years if the player is 18 or 19 at the time of the draft

 

[bobbop]

Jones also has a high hockey IQ. His Dad was an equipment manager for minor league teams.

His skating was supposed to be a concern but from the little I’ve seen, he looks just fine.

 

[rangersfansince08]

On the main board they said his skating is excellent. Also I really want Fox to start piling up points.

 

[Mac n Gs]

Jones also has a high hockey IQ. His Dad was an equipment manager for minor league teams.

His skating was supposed to be a concern but from the little I’ve seen, he looks just fine.

I'm not sure where you heard that Jones' skating was a concern because that's easily his best trait. He's an incredibly fluid skater with really, really good lateral acceleration and agility. Here's an observation on him from Julie Robenhymer who watches a lot of USHL and college hockey: