Since Ryan Lindgren returned to the lineup from an upper-body injury, The Rangers have been alternating Victor Mancini and Zac Jones for that final defensive slot. It’s been Mancini who’s had the upper hand over Jones with Mancini playing in a total of eight games while Jones has just played in five games. What should the Rangers do with these two young defensemen moving forward? Both Mancini and Jones are two totally different players, which is why it makes this situation even more interesting. Mancini plays a stronger two-way game and is a steady, stay at home defenseman who has impressive skating abilities for a man of his size. Stan Fischler talks about Matt Rempe. Jones on the other hand is an offensive defenseman as he uses his electric speed and powerful shot to create chances for himself. The key right now is to rotate them equally and let one of them earn the job. It’s too early in the season to be benching Jones the way the Rangers have recently. There is no harm in feeling both players out for a little while and seeing whether Mancini or Jones is a better overall fit for the lineup. Peter Laviolette can also rotate Mancini and Jones based on the opponent they play. The best thing for their development though is to continue to play in as many games as possible, which is why a healthy split between the two is beneficial for now until one truly stands out over the other.
