Zajac

Has anyone been paying attention to Travis Zajac?? This kid is third in scoring as a freshman at UND. Impressive to say the least. Another gem unearthed by Conte. :yo:

anyone else think its time we start labeling him a bluechip prospect?

I have Travis Zajac penciled into the lineup when the lockout ends. ;)

BTW, I also have Pat Sajak penciled into the lineup when the lockout ends. :D

I haven't penciled Travis in anywhere but I hope he goes all the way:http://www.uscho.com/recaps/20042005/m/03/25/bu-und.php

He was well known/scouted. Playing Jr.B probably kept him out of the 10-15 pick range.But at the time I was glad LL traded up for the second year in a row to get a UND centerman.

I haven't penciled Travis in anywhere but I hope he goes all the way:http://www.uscho.com/recaps/20042005/m/03/25/bu-und.php

He was well known/scouted. Playing Jr.B probably kept him out of the 10-15 pick range.But at the time I was glad LL traded up for the second year in a row to get a UND centerman.
Actually it was Junior A, BCHL is an extremely strong Junior A league too. I don't see why he couldn't be picked as early as Stafford. His defensive game is better, he is strong enough and both supply the same amount of offense.

anyone else think its time we start labeling him a bluechip prospect?
Start? I have gone on record many times saying Zajac will be a better player then Zach Parise in the NHL.

Start? I have gone on record many times saying Zajac will be a better player then Zach Parise in the NHL.I don't think he will be better than Parise. I do think he will be very good, but I go with Parise as having the better NHL future.

After Parise's first year at UND, he was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, as he was after his sophomore and final season as a Sioux. Parise is having a very good rookie-season with Albany and should be strongly considered for the league's Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award as rookie of the year.

Zajac is also only 10 months younger than Parise.

I don't think he will be better than Parise. I do think he will be very good, but I go with Parise as having the better NHL future.

After Parise's first year at UND, he was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, as he was after his sophomore and final season as a Sioux. Parise is having a very good rookie-season with Albany and should be strongly considered for the league's Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award as rookie of the year.

Zajac is also only 10 months younger than Parise.
I don't care about NCAA accomplishments. In the NHL Zajac's skill set will be more usefull, especially as a number 1 center. Zajac is strong as an ox, works well in corners and has amazing hockey sense. His scoring ability is about the same as Parise. I feel Zajac will be the player to take away Gomez's job in 3 or 4 years time, if college players were allowed to play at camp for NHL teams he would win a spot on the team as soon as next year.

I don't care about NCAA accomplishments. In the NHL Zajac's skill set will be more usefull, especially as a number 1 center.But you care about BCHL accomplishments?

Travis Zajac netted 15 goals in 42 during his freshman season at UND. Zach "Paradise" Parise drove home 26 goals in only 39 games during his frosh campaign at the very same Fighting Sioux. Am I to believe that you think NHL goalies are easier on which to score than NCAA netminders?

Zajac is strong as an ox, works well in corners and has amazing hockey sense. His scoring ability is about the same as Parise. I feel Zajac will be the player to take away Gomez's job in 3 or 4 years time, if college players were allowed to play at camp for NHL teams he would win a spot on the team as soon as next year.By "take away Gomez's job," I assume you mean take over for a departed Scott Gomez, either due to a trade or free-agency. Gomez is only 25 years old and is one of the best play-makers in the NHL, so I don't see him becoming a fourh-liner in the next five seasons barring a major injury.

That said, Parise has the play-making ability that rivals that of Gomez.

But you care about BCHL accomplishments?

Travis Zajac netted 15 goals in 42 during his freshman season at UND. Zach "Paradise" Parise drove home 26 goals in only 39 games during his frosh campaign at the very same Fighting Sioux. Am I to believe that you think NHL goalies are easier on which to score than NCAA netminders?

By "take away Gomez's job," I assume you mean take over for a departed Scott Gomez, either due to a trade or free-agency. Gomez is only 25 years old and is one of the best play-makers in the NHL, so I don't see him becoming a fourh-liner in the next five seasons barring a major injury.

That said, Parise has the play-making ability that rivals that of Gomez.

Here's what I see......

Gomez
Parise
Zajac
Foster (Yes, he'll get his chance in the bigs, and he'll be healthy)

We have been kind of weak at center for the past couple of years, but the future will change all that.....and remember, in New Jersey, it's not a 1st line 2nd line 3rd line team.......it's just a team, there is no #1 line, everyone is expected to do the samething, some lines will do more, some less.....but there is definitely no distinction, atleast, that's what I think Lamoriello wants.

But you care about BCHL accomplishments?

Travis Zajac netted 15 goals in 42 during his freshman season at UND. Zach "Paradise" Parise drove home 26 goals in only 39 games during his frosh campaign at the very same Fighting Sioux. Am I to believe that you think NHL goalies are easier on which to score than NCAA netminders?

By "take away Gomez's job," I assume you mean take over for a departed Scott Gomez, either due to a trade or free-agency. Gomez is only 25 years old and is one of the best play-makers in the NHL, so I don't see him becoming a fourh-liner in the next five seasons barring a major injury.

That said, Parise has the play-making ability that rivals that of Gomez.
BCHL stats mean nothing either. Once again when comparing Zajac and Parise NCAA stats mean **** all. Zajac has the size and strength to translate his offense to any level of hockey. Parise will not be able to dominate defenders in he NHL like he did in the NCAA. He will still be a great center but you can't have three 5`11 centers on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines because Madden will still be here.

I agree with Jason on this one.

Zajac seems to bring a lot to the table that will translate well into the NHL game.

1. He's got good size
2. He's got great hockey sense
3. He goes to the net strong
4. He is one of those guys that not only goes into the corners, but comes out with puck.

Zajac IS what I thought Foster was going to be. I don't know what he'll end up being in the future, but I right now I am really excited about the Devils forward crop....Parise, Suglobov, Voros, Nittle, Zajac.......Now we just need some D prospects to round out everything.

If Zajac goes back to school which i am assuming he will, is he able to play in the WJC next year or is he to old?

If Zajac goes back to school which i am assuming he will, is he able to play in the WJC next year or is he to old?

too old!

Well he has 2 goals and an assist tonight vs BC in the eastern regional. Hes played a solid game both ways and in all situations. UND is just dominating right now though.

UND wins 6-2, Travis converts a goal mouth feed and pokes in a reb. With all the PED's talk the last two months I'd like to know what Zajacks real h/weight was when he enrolled in Sept. and what is it now? This school and one alum in particular treats the team royally and the training facilities and menu probably put a bit more size on his frame.

I have Travis Zajac penciled into the lineup when the lockout ends. ;)

BTW, I also have Pat Sajak penciled into the lineup when the lockout ends. :D


Pat Sajak?

No way. The guy is lazy in practice, and can hardly skate.

He has some pretty soft hands, and is a good kisser...
But pencilling him into the lineup is ludicrous!

BCHL stats mean nothing either. Once again when comparing Zajac and Parise NCAA stats mean **** all. Zajac has the size and strength to translate his offense to any level of hockey. Parise will not be able to dominate defenders in he NHL like he did in the NCAA. He will still be a great center but you can't have three 5`11 centers on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines because Madden will still be here.Size and strength you say? Yeah, like Erik Rasmussen, who was selected in the 1st Round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. The Sabres thought Rasmussen had the size to be a big-time NHL star. Maybe one of your ancestors, Jebediah MacIssac, thought Rasmsussen had the package to translate into an NHL All-Star.

Why Jason, has Parise been able to translate at the AHL level? And that's an AHL with more talent than it would have in a normal season because of the NHL lockout.

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As for the Wheel of Fortune thing, it would be funny if Zajac scored a goal with the lone assist coming from Colin White.

BCHL stats mean nothing either. Once again when comparing Zajac and Parise NCAA stats mean **** all. Zajac has the size and strength to translate his offense to any level of hockey. Parise will not be able to dominate defenders in he NHL like he did in the NCAA. He will still be a great center but you can't have three 5`11 centers on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines because Madden will still be here.


You must consider that if Lou or Conte had concerns about Parise's size they would have picked Getzlaf over him. Plus he isn't all that small anyway.

I believe when they drafted Zach, they think that he has the makings of a future captain!

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As for the Wheel of Fortune thing, it would be funny if Zajac scored a goal with the lone assist coming from Colin White.

I'd like a G, please.
-Yes, there is one G.
I'd like to buy an A.
-There is one A.
I'd like to solve the puzzle, please. "Devils Go Home With A Win"

Size and strength you say? Yeah, like Erik Rasmussen, who was selected in the 1st Round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. The Sabres thought Rasmussen had the size to be a big-time NHL star. Maybe one of your ancestors, Jebediah MacIssac, thought Rasmsussen had the package to translate into an NHL All-Star.

Why Jason, has Parise been able to translate at the AHL level? And that's an AHL with more talent than it would have in a normal season because of the NHL lockout.

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As for the Wheel of Fortune thing, it would be funny if Zajac scored a goal with the lone assist coming from Colin White.
Rasmussen never had any sort of hockey sense. They hoped it would develop as he grew. He was just a good athlete which he still is. The guy had size and could skate, after that he didn't have much to offer.

Parise hasn't completely translated his offense, this is the first level of hockey that he hasn't been at the PPG level. His goal scoring has droped off alot. I am still pleased the way he has developed but his offense will take another huge hit jumping to the NHL level. I still feel he will taper off and get 60-70 points in his prime with the devils. Just a little lower on average.

You must consider that if Lou or Conte had concerns about Parise's size they would have picked Getzlaf over him. Plus he isn't all that small anyway.

I believe when they drafted Zach, they think that he has the makings of a future captain!
The Devils don't draft based on size or what not, they pick best player available. If they didn't then Vrana wouldn't have been their second round pick after Parise. When they drafted Parise they probably wanted a good two way center who can fill in on the 2nd line and possibly the first line depending on Gomez's situation. I sure as hell don't want to see our top two centers as Gomez and Parise going into a series against Philly.

Rasmussen never had any sort of hockey sense. They hoped it would develop as he grew. He was just a good athlete which he still is. The guy had size and could skate, after that he didn't have much to offer.Rasmussen's numbers in his first year at the U (40 GP, 16 G, 32 A, 48 PTS) are better than Zajac's numbers in his first year at UND (43 GP, 17 G, 19 A, 36 PTS.)

Parise hasn't completely translated his offense, this is the first level of hockey that he hasn't been at the PPG level. His goal scoring has droped off alot. I am still pleased the way he has developed but his offense will take another huge hit jumping to the NHL level. I still feel he will taper off and get 60-70 points in his prime with the devils. Just a little lower on average.He's playing against men now, not little boys. I think he would have put up roughly the same numbers with the Devils that he has with Albany if given similar ice-time. He would be playing with one of the best teams in the NHL instead of one of the worst teams in the AHL. As it stands, he is second on ALbany in scoring to NHL veteran Dean McAmmond, and Parise is first in assists and points-per-game for the River Rats.
I sure as hell don't want to see our top two centers as Gomez and Parise going into a series against Philly.That wouldn't be a problem if the Devils had some size at defense.

And...the rich get richer.

Unfreakin' believable how some teams just get it right a majority of the time.

To be sure, a lot can happen between now and the way to glory, but having the potential of two young bucks like Parise and Zajak manning the middle down the road makes for a continuing bright future in NJ.

As for your D needing youth: You just broke in two KIDS (Hale and Martin) last season! And while I am not up on their progress, you have DeMarchi and Kadeykin in the system, both 2nd rd picks a few years back, no? (Meanwhile, Colin White is a ripe old 27.)

Meanwhile, your HOF goalie is in his prime, as is your Norris Dman (assuming he is retained) and your 1st line sniper and center! Oh, and you have a HOF captain returning, hopefully to put a ribbon on his career. A guy who, at age 40, is still superior to a vast majority of NHL backliners.

You guys are loaded. Now and in the future. And I'm jealous. ;)

Rasmussen's numbers in his first year at the U (40 GP, 16 G, 32 A, 48 PTS) are better than Zajac's numbers in his first year at UND (43 GP, 17 G, 19 A, 36 PTS.)

He's playing against men now, not little boys. I think he would have put up roughly the same numbers with the Devils that he has with Albany if given similar ice-time. He would be playing with one of the best teams in the NHL instead of one of the worst teams in the AHL. As it stands, he is second on ALbany in scoring to NHL veteran Dean McAmmond, and Parise is first in assists and points-per-game for the River Rats.
That wouldn't be a problem if the Devils had some size at defense.
That was back at a different time when college hockey was much more offensive plus that didn't speak much for the actual skills Rasmussen had. From what I remmber Rasmussen played with that little dynamic senior who had over 70 points. When he left Rasmussen was well under a PPG in his junior year. 27 points in 34 games in his second season?

Parise is playing vs a stronger AHL crop but not near the level the NHL will be, not even close. Parise in his rookie season should try to get 35-40 points and I think he would be happy. Parise is not PPG, he is quite a bit below PPG. 53 points in 65 games is nice but nothing outstanding compared to Dustin Brown or Eric Staal.

Yes it would, other teams centers would just walk all over us. Philly overpowered us last year in the playoffs. If you don't think small centers can hurt your team then you are mistaken. Defense was only part of the problem.

Parise hasn't completely translated his offense, this is the first level of hockey that he hasn't been at the PPG level. His goal scoring has droped off alot. I am still pleased the way he has developed but his offense will take another huge hit jumping to the NHL level. I still feel he will taper off and get 60-70 points in his prime with the devils. Just a little lower on average.

I disagree. I think Parise will only get better as his level of competition gets better. I've only seen 4-5 rats games this year, but I never saw anyone really supporting Parise. No one would be there to set him up. Parise was either doing the passing or forced to find the net himself.

Put him on a line with Elias or someone else who can pass and you'll see him score.

Jason Macisaac, Im going to have to disagree with you. Based on what ive seen from him in Albany (25 games worth), this guy will been in the upward range of 60pts in his rookie NHL year. The guys on ice smarts and presence is simply outstanding. There have been so many instances where he has turned plays with no hope, into goals and chances because of his awareness. His raw talent in unquestionable. What has impressed me most has been his defensive prowess. He is Gionta like in a way that he is a spark plug and keeps moving. If only he had some weapons in Albany. You just have to see him play in order to get an idea for what he is all about.

And with guys like Nittel and Voros, he will have our size issue solved in no time. (Provided Voros puts on 15-20lbs of muscle)

Well as Trottier has said.....This is not a bad situation to be in ;)

And...the rich get richer.

Unfreakin' believable how some teams just get it right a majority of the time.

To be sure, a lot can happen between now and the way to glory, but having the potential of two young bucks like Parise and Zajak manning the middle down the road makes for a continuing bright future in NJ.

As for your D needing youth: You just broke in two KIDS (Hale and Martin) last season! And while I am not up on their progress, you have DeMarchi and Kadeykin in the system, both 2nd rd picks a few years back, no? (Meanwhile, Colin White is a ripe old 27.)

Meanwhile, your HOF goalie is in his prime, as is your Norris Dman (assuming he is retained) and your 1st line sniper and center! Oh, and you have a HOF captain returning, hopefully to put a ribbon on his career. A guy who, at age 40, is still superior to a vast majority of NHL backliners.

You guys are loaded. Now and in the future. And I'm jealous. ;)


I'll second that from across the river :madfire:

I'll second that from across the river :madfire:


Thanks guys, that means alot good sportsmanship on your parts, and for that I applaud the both of you :clap:

anyone else think its time we start labeling him a bluechip prospect?

I would say it's very safe at this point to do so. I love his upside. He's big kid with a nice stride, but I just love what he can do with the puck on his stick. He'll be a scorer.

"You guys are loaded. Now and in the future. "
Well I wouldn't say loaded. What did THN rate the system something like #22? That happens when you never get high picks. There aren't many standout prospects like there were in the late 90's when you looked to Albany and saw Sykora,Elias,White,Morrison, Madden and others just waiting for the call.
I think the moves to secure two young C's were very important.If Parise turns out to have Morrison's talent level, that's fine with me. Travis likes to compare himself to N'ke and I'd take that anytime. If Ahonen develops into a top gt to either trade or be Marty's backup that is a pretty good top 3. Who knows what the UFA age is going to work out to but this is an area where Lou is going to have to bid for a pair of D's in their prime if Scott retires and Niedermayer in his walk year with Rafalski 1 year away.

You guys are loaded. Now and in the future. And I'm jealous.Well I wouldn't say loaded. What did THN rate the system something like #22?I think Trottier was specifically addressing the big club in East Rutherford, not the minor-league system.

I'll second that from across the riverYou live in Secaucus?

The Devils don't draft based on size or what not, they pick best player available. If they didn't then Vrana wouldn't have been their second round pick after Parise. When they drafted Parise they probably wanted a good two way center who can fill in on the 2nd line and possibly the first line depending on Gomez's situation. I sure as hell don't want to see our top two centers as Gomez and Parise going into a series against Philly.

That's the point I was trying to make. Regardless of Praise’s size, they believed he was the best player at that point. I can understand your argument regarding size down the middle. However, when we won the cup in 2003, we weren't the biggest team around either.

Good argument on Parise verses Zajac, Devil brethren (and sistren). I do want to point out that Parise wasn't selected just because he was the best player in the draft. The Devils pulled out the stops to select him by trading up for him. I think they are expecting Parise to be something special, and judging by his play this year for a very young Rats team, he should deliver nicely.

As for your D needing youth: You just broke in two KIDS (Hale and Martin) last season! And while I am not up on their progress, you have DeMarchi and Kadeykin in the system, both 2nd rd picks a few years back, no? (Meanwhile, Colin White is a ripe old 27.)


Kadeykin was a bit of a gamble and looked good in his first junior season, but hasn't shown a lot recently. I dislike words like 'bust', but let's just say a bit of the lustre has come off. Maybe he can rebound. DeMarchi, meanwhile, was never expected to be much more than a depth Dman. I'd be happy if he made it as a bottom pairing guy. Martin looks promising and Hale didn't look terribly out of place, although his on-again-off-again health issues are probably a concern for management. I'm sure every team would like a Phaneuf-esque prospect in the system but overall the D, while not really stocked for the future, is in fairly good shape.

Well I wouldn't say loaded. What did THN rate the system something like #22?

My reference was to the NHL team. And ultimately, your prospect pool serves one purpose and one purpose only...to help produce the best NHL squad. I wouldn't get too hung up on HF's ranking, nor the fact that the Devils may not have the largest number of "prospects". What you have is:

-Quality prospects - any team that has two bonafide top-tier prospects (i.e., Parise; Zajac) is ahead of the game.

- Several young players on the NHL level (read: players who have many years ahead of them, hopefully). Heck, Scott Gomez is 25!

Bottom line: a winning (Cup contending) team like the Devils simply does not have many roster spots open on an annual basis for kids. (That's a good thing!) So, adding "just" a Parise one season, or "just" a Zajac the next to an already solid team very likely will have much more of a positive impact than a team that adds three or four rookies to a mediocre NHL roster.

I'm sure every team would like a Phaneuf-esque prospect in the system but overall the D, while not really stocked for the future, is in fairly good shape.

Thanks for the update. Yes, no doubt that you cannot simply "replace" the quality of a Stevens and Niedermayer. Their type are rare. Thought here, however, was simply that Hale, Martin (assuming progression) and White potentially make up 1/2 of your D corp for quite some time. Rafalski is only 31; dmen typically have a lot of miles to burn. And you can always backfill your 6-7 slots. Ultimately, the challenge will be to find that "elite" dman to anchor the backline, assuming both Stevens and Niedermayer depart. Worth remembering that Stevens retirement alone (whenever that is) will open up some $$$.

Worth remembering that Stevens retirement alone (whenever that is) will open up some $$$.
Yes but what will the cap be;32-36mil? I'm ok with NJ's player personnel,but not thrilled with it. Sometime there is too much hype because of past developmental rates. It isn't a stocked system anymore for obvious reasons. LL was looking to the feature when he signed Matvichuk. I think he probably expected there would be no season and Scott would retire if we have a delay for '06.

I wouldnt advise anyone on getting their hopes up too high on De Marchi. He has Niedermayer type flashes of brilliance, but he cant compete physically, and makes mental errors.