JONES LEADS AHL ROCHESTER IN SCORING AS A DEFENSEMAN

 

Maybe the woeful Buffalo Sabres are doing ZAC JONES 

a favor after all.

While the Sabres remain likely to run their NHL record 

for futility to 15 straight playoff-less seasons, Jones is 

leading their top farm team in scoring as a defenseman, 

for crying out loud.

In 18 games with the AHL Rochester (N.Y.) Americans, 

prior to Friday night’s 6-3 victory at Charlotte, N.C., the 

5-11, 190 pounder from Richmond had 20 points 

including 19 assists and one (game-winning) goal. Jones 

ranked 14^th in league scoring overall, the only d-man 

among the top 34.

What’s more, you’ve got to believe the New York 

Rangers, who signed him originally (as a third round draft 

choice) six years ago, could use Jones now, especially on 

the power play, with the loss of 2022 Norris Trophy 

recipient ADAM FOX to what has been reported as a 

lengthy injury.

Jones unquestionably is at his best with the puck on his 

stick. A sharp, accurate passer, he always has been very 

good at getting the puck out of his zone. Seldom does he 

turn it over, which was a major problem for the Rangers a 

season ago.

With the man advantage, Jones proved his ability during 

four tours with New York’s top affiliate in Hartford, 

Conn. Only the presence of Fox kept him from running 

the Rangers’ power play and, when he did while Fox 

occasionally was injured, Jones invariably drew praise 

from fans and media alike.

Having spent all of 2024-25 with the Broadway 

Blueshirts, Jones appeared in a career-high 46 games. The 

rest of the time he was a healthy scratch. At season’s end 

Jones was asked to stick around with a new, one-year 

contract for $1 million..

The players’ union recommended he should accept no less 

than $1.25M, and the Rangers let Jones become a free 

agent, saying he was turned loose without a qualifying 

offer.

In retrospect, the first player born AND raised in Virginia 

to suit up in the NHL probably should have remained in 

the Big Apple. Either that or he should get a new agent. 

On July 3, the Sabres signed Jones to a one-year, two-way 

deal -- $900,000 in the NHL and $550,000 in the AHL. 

Both were considerably more than the minimums offered 

most players but hardly in the six-figure range which both 

Colorado and Toronto were said willing to match the 

Rangers’ … ahh, informal amount.

In the end, Jones opted for less money with Buffalo, 

assuming he would have a better opportunity with the 

lowly Sabres. “He’s taking a chance [gambling?] on 

himself,” his father, ROB JONES, explained.

From the git go, however, Buffalo coach LINDY RUFF

 Ruff refused to acknowledge Jones’ all-around ability, 

telling reporters he was a liability in the defensive end 

and not tough enough … neither of which are true. Twice 

he’s been called up from Rochester but never got a 

chance to play.

Now, says Rob Jones, “He’ll probably be better off 

staying with Rochester, putting up some big numbers … 

and get a good contract as a free agent next year.”

Meanwhile, with the NHL’s two-week break to take part 

in the 2026 Summer Olympics rapidly approaching, Ruff 

remains the coach most likely to be fired.

Updating: Friday, Jones got off three shots and finished 

plus one in the tell-tale plus-minus category but didn’t 

add to his still-leading team points total … Buffalo is tied 

for 21^st (among 32 NHL teams) with power-play success 

(?) percentage of 17.3 … a drop from 18.8 a year ago 

when the Sabres finished 24^th overall.

Until next time ...