Zac Jones hits unrestricted free agent market after Rangers’ decision

Zac Jones was one of four players the Rangers did not extend qualifying offers to on Monday, making the 24-year-old defenseman an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. 

The Blueshirts had long valued Jones as a seventh defenseman, which had the UMass product feeling like he was “rotting away” while bouncing in and out of the lineup over the past five seasons. 

It was an organizational decision that not only allows Jones to finally test his value around the NHL, but also gives the Rangers some more cap space to work with and protect themselves against potential offer sheets. 

Jones, who served as a healthy scratch 36 times last season, was given permission to speak to other teams last season.

Zac Jones will be an unrestricted free agent. Noah K. Murray-NY Post

Evidently, nothing ever materialized. 

His arbitration rights had the Rangers wary of the possibility of his cap number exceeding an amount they were comfortable with.

The Rangers did extend an offer to Jones earlier this summer, as first reported by The Post, but the details are unclear. 

In 115 games with the Rangers, Jones finished with four goals and 24 assists. 

Along with Jones, the Rangers also did not tender qualifying offers to Arthur Kaliyev, Jake Leschyshyn or Lucas Edmonds. 

Kaliyev, who was claimed off waivers from the Kings in January, played in just three games for the Rangers before he sustained a season-ending upper-body injury.

The Rangers had long valued Zac Jones as a seventh defensemen. NHLI via Getty Images

The Blueshirts, per a source, did not see the 24-year-old wing as a fit in their lineup going forward. 

The Rangers did tender QO’s to restricted free agents K’Andre Miller, Will Cuylle, Dylan Garand, Brendan Brisson and Talyn Boyko. 

A qualifying offer ensures the Rangers have the right of first refusal or can receive draft pick compensation if the player signs with another team.

The player can accept the qualifying offer, continue negotiating a new contract, or possibly sign an offer sheet with another team.