Z JONES BACK IN NHL BUT RESUMES FAMILIAR ROLE, NEVERTHELESS

 The Buffalo Sabres recalled ZAC JONES from AHL Rochester Sunday but the native of Richmond (and first born and raised in Virginia to play in the National Hockey League), didn’t dress for Monday night’s game at Montreal.


Instead, coach LINDY RUFF opted to use ZACH 

METSA, who made his first NHL appearance after 146 

minor-league games (including playoffs) in four-plus 

seasons with Rochester. Undrafted, the 5-9, 181 pounder 

signed with the Americans after five years with Quinipac 

University. Metsa got a two-way contract with the Sabres 

this summer. He celebrated his 27th birthday Saturday 

(Oct. 18).



Same old, same old for Jones, 25, who opted to leave the 

New York Rangers as a free agent this year after spending 

34 (of 82) regular-season games in 2024-25 as a healthy 

scratch. A third round draft selection of the Rangers in 

2019, he joined the Broadway Blueshirts after leading 

UMass to an NCAA championship and spent five years 

with the organization, going back and forth between the 

parent club and its top affiliate, the AHL Hartford Wolf 

Pack.



Metsa, a right-handed defenseman, was called to Buffalo 

last week. News that Jones, a left-handed defenseman, 

would join him led to instant speculation Jones probably 

would face the Canadiens based on his experience that 

includes 115 NHL games. Otherwise, they have a lot in 

common.



Both are considered small for d-men. Their minor-league 

production by the numbers is similar. And neither plays a 

physical game, relying instead on positioning, guile and 

stickwork. Jones has had one pro fight, winning a one-

sided decision after being challenged while playing for 

Hartford three years ago.


The son of former Richmond Renegades’ trainer and 

equipment manager ROB JONES, he signed a two-way 

contract with the Sabres July 1 … for $900.000 NHL and 

$550,000 AHL, described in one report as being “rather 

rich.”


Sent down to Rochester prior to season’s start, Jones led 

all AHL defensemen with four assists before being called 

up after four games. Two came on the power play in the 

season-opener, a 4-3 victory over visiting Toronto 

Marlies. 


By the way … in Buffalo, the media uses Jones’ given 

name, Zachary, which is what he’s called at home, instead 

of plain, old Zac.


Until next time ...
















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