Travis Zajac: A Promising Start
By Ken Palmer
It didn’t take rookie center Travis Zajac long to make an impression on his teammates and Devils’ fans alike. Hardly a lock to make New Jersey’s roster coming into training camp, Zajac was so impressive that not only did he earn a spot on the Devils’ roster, but he found himself centering New Jersey’s second line on opening night as well. Then, it only took him two games into the 2006-07 campaign to notch his first NHL goal.

“I just try to be a complete player and play both ends of the ice,” the 21-year-old Zajac said. “I want to be a versatile player who can play on the power play and penalty-killing unit. I want to do all the little things that need to be done to win hockey games as well as contribute offensively. That’s another main part of my game.”

Yes, Zajac’s offensive skills are not in question. The 6-2, 200-pounder was New Jersey’s first-round choice (20th overall) in the 2004 Entry Draft. He’s been putting the puck in the net ever since.


Travis Zajac
In two seasons with Salmon Arm of the BCJHL, he notched 59 goals and 164 points. Then he spent two years at North Dakota, where he posted 38 goals and 86 points. The Fighting Sioux advanced to the NCAA Championship Game during Zajac’s freshman season and Frozen Four tourney as a sophomore. He was named to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team, and WCHA All-Rookie Team in 2005. That’s just one reason nobody was surprised to see him centering a line for LW Patrik Elias and RW Jamie Langenbrunner, which is how he started the season and his NHL career.

“I think I fit in pretty well,” Zajac said. “I think Patty and Langer are two good linemates. They make me feel really comfortable out there. Each game’s getting a little better and I’m feeling more patient with the puck and making more plays. That’s obviously a plus.”

Second-year player Zach Parise, another former North Dakota star, knows first-hand how help from the veterans can play a vital role in the development of younger players. “Patty’s helped him out a lot,” Parise said. “He’s playing with two good players, and they can help you out a lot. He’s been fortunate to have that. It seems like he’s learned a lot in the short time he’s been here because he’s gotten better.”

“Guys have been really good to me and help me out on and off the ice,” Zajac said. “I feel like I fit in well. That makes me a little more comfortable around here. I know Parise from North Dakota a little. I’m good friends with him. I look up to him and hang around him a lot.”

Parise and Zajac missed playing together by one season at North Dakota. Zajac also missed making history with Parise by just one game. Parise scored in his first NHL game, while Zajac scored in his second. “You can’t argue with that,” Parise said. “Whether it’s one game or two games, it’s impressive to get one that early. It just shows you that he’s going to be pretty good for us.”

“It’s very exciting,” Zajac said. “It’s definitely nice to get that first one out of the way and off my back. Zach got the puck for me and I’ll hold onto that one for sure.” It didn’t take Zajac long to register another tally, as he notched a third period goal in New York against the Rangers on October 16th.

It’s obvious to all that Zajac fits in just fine in New Jersey’s veteran-laden locker room. “He’s fitting in,” Devils’ Coach Claude Julien said. “He’s quiet, modest and I think that’s just his personality. I don’t think you’re going to see him change much. He has some great assets, which is what makes him a pretty good player.”

“I think he’s a good addition to our team,” Parise added. “He’s a great player. He’s very well-rounded. He’s good in the defensive zone. He’s good at draws and he can make plays in the offensive zone. I think from the first couple of games you can see how much he’s gotten better. He looks more comfortable out there. I think he’s going to help a lot. He’s a good kid. He’s quiet and humble and he’s a good fit.”

Zajac admitted the jump from the college to pro game was a huge one. “It’s a lot faster game,” he said. “Guys are much bigger and faster and they know how to play the game. With that said, it does take some getting used to. But once you get the hang of it, it gets a little easier to play. You have more time than you think with the puck. One thing coming in was that I was rushing things with the puck and now I’m seeing that I have more time, which allows me to be more patient and make more plays.”

The wise-beyond-his-years rookie knows that he must keep making plays in order to earn his keep. “Coming into camp, my main concern was coming in here and trying to win a spot,” he said. “Nothing’s ever guaranteed here so I still have to take it day-by-day. I’m just trying to elevate my game and contribute as much as possible. “It’s definitely a big accomplishment for me. I know that I want to be here as long as possible so I just have to try to get better and learn every day. I just have to keep competing.”

Julien already has high expectations for number 19. “He’s a pretty smart individual,” he said. “He makes some pretty good decisions. To me, he’s acting more like a veteran than a first-year player just by the decisions that he’s made. He has good skills, good size, and is always well positioned. I foresee this guy just getting better and better. That’s my prediction as a coach.”

While Zajac has already proven able to make sweet music on the ice, the guitar player would like to think he’s capable off the ice as well. “I play guitar in my spare time,” said Zajac, who added that “Wonderwall” by Oasis was the first song he mastered. “I just started a year ago, it’s just something I took up in college. I’m sure I’ll have time to get into that again. I play a couple songs; I’m getting there.” On the ice, he’s already there.

Zajac and Parise look very good on the ice. I think that they represent a very nice looking future for the Devils offense. I'm hoping their other draft pick (Bergfors) comes along as well and gives this team a continued tradition of solid players they have brought through their system.

Zajac already has a goal tonight. Games tied 1-1 at the end of the second.