Travis Zajac

Travis Zajac
Born	May 13, 1985 (1985-05-13) Winnipeg, MB, CAN
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight	200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb)
Position	Centre
Shoots	Right
NHL team	New Jersey Devils
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	20th overall, 2004 New Jersey Devils
Playing career	2006–present

Travis Zajac (born May 13, 1985) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 20th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.

Playing career

New Jersey Devils (2006–present)

Zajac made his NHL debut on October 6, 2006, as New Jersey shutout Carolina 4–0. The next evening against the Dallas Stars he registered his first NHL goal against Marty Turco during a 3-1 loss.

On April 19, 2009, Zajac scored his second career playoff goal that lifted New Jersey to a 3-2 overtime win against the Hurricanes in Carolina. That gave them a 2-1 series advantage, but the Devils went on to lose the quarterfinals matchup in seven games.

On July 22, 2009, Zajac signed a four-year, $15.55 million contract extension with the Devils avoiding arbitration.

Throughout the 2010-11 offseason, many members of the New Jersey Devils (i.e., Zach Parise, Jamie Langenbrunner and Martin Brodeur) have all been very optimistic when asked about their teammate Zajac. They have all noted Zajac's growth as an individual both on and off the ice. For example, amidst the Kovalchuk contract situation, Zajac understood his dilemma and echoed the words of many others by reiterating to him take your time and do what's best for your family. Zajac's work ethic, diligence, and confidence have been fine tuned throughout his entire life, yet he sets personal expectations very high for himself:

“

I want to be someone who can help the team generate offense every shift, every time I'm on the ice. I think I'm capable of doing that especially playing with the players we have here. I just want to be a guy you can count on to score goals and help the team offensively and defensively, as well. I think that's been the strongest part of my game, my defensive play. Hopefully, I continue to work on that.

”

Moreover, during the offseason, Zajac mentioned that he improved his skating technique. Therefore, he says that will propel him to be a faster skater in the upcoming season. He also went up north around Minnesota during the offseason alongside Zach Parise to train with Scott Bjugstad on shooting. Although Zajac is still looking to become a game-changing player in this league, Parise was quoted saying, "I think he's been an impact player since his rookie season." Furthermore, his teammates agree that the 25 year old Zajac will be an even more dominant player for years to come.

During the second preseason game against the New York Rangers, Zajac was centering a line with Zach Parise on the left side and Ilya Kovalchuk as his right wing. According to multiple reports, Zajac is slated to be on the first line centering Kovalchuk and Parise on opening day.

On March 17, 2011, Travis Zajac became the New Jersey Devils record holder for Most Consecutive Games, starting his 389th game against the Ottawa Senators.^{[citation needed]} He surpassed Ken Daneyko's record of 388 consecutive starts.^{[citation needed]}

Personal life

Zajac's father played hockey for three years at the University of Denver. His three brothers, Darcy, Kelly and Nolan all play ice hockey as well. Darcy plays for the Albany Devils (AHL), while Kelly plays for Union College (ECAC). Of the four Zajac brothers, Nolan is the only defenseman; he plays for the Omaha Lancers (USHL).

Career statistics

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2002–03	Salmon Arm Silverbacks	BCHL		59	16	36	52	27		—	—	—	—	—
2003–04	Salmon Arm Silverbacks	BCHL		59	43	69	112	110		14	10	13	23	10
2004–05	North Dakota Fighting Sioux	WCHA		43	17	19	36	16		—	—	—	—	—
2005–06	North Dakota Fighting Sioux	WCHA		45	17	27	44	20		—	—	—	—	—
2005–06	Albany River Rats	AHL		2	0	1	1	2		—	—	—	—	—
2006–07	New Jersey Devils	NHL		80	17	25	42	16		11	1	4	5	4
2007–08	New Jersey Devils	NHL		82	14	20	34	31		5	0	1	1	4
2008–09	New Jersey Devils	NHL		82	20	42	62	29		7	1	3	4	6
2009–10	New Jersey Devils	NHL		82	25	42	67	24		5	1	1	2	2
2010–11	New Jersey Devils	NHL		82	13	31	44	24		—	—	—	—	—
NHL totals				408	89	160	249	124		28	3	9	12	16

External links

• Travis Zajac's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database

Preceded by Zach Parise

New Jersey Devils first round draft pick 2004

Succeeded by Niclas Bergfors