Devils sign Travis Zajac!

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/sports/14330235.htm
UND sophomore forward Travis Zajac signed a three-year deal with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, foregoing his final two years of eligibility at UND.

Zajac will head to Albany, N.Y., today to report with the Albany River Rats, New Jersey's American Hockey League Affiliate.



Curious...:
If New Jersey chooses to, Zajac would be eligible to play in the playoffs. The Devils recently clinched a spot in the playoffs.

This may be very good news. In the long run, it is great news. I just wonder why Zajac can play in the playoffs and Andy Greene can't? Maybe because we drafted Travis and signed Greene as a free agent?

Now this is going to stun you and if you want to, you can kill me because my life sucks anyway. I liked the way John Madden flew down the wing the other night against Carolina and scored against Gerber. I think Madden is a natural winger. I know I am crazy and it will never happen, but how about trying Mad Dog on the wing for a game or two at the end of the season? Also, Jay Pandolfo is great defensively but he used to be able to score goals in college.

Check this crazy lineup out and then come over and shoot me and put me out of my misery. Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Pandolfo--Gomez--Gionta
Elias--Parise/Brylin--Marshall
Madden--Zajac--Langenbrunner
Brylin/Parise<-->Rasmussen--Janssen

Rafalski--Matvichuk or Hale
Martin-White
Klee/Albelin--Lukowich

Martin Brodeur
Johnny Bower ( Why the hell not? LOL )

Okay, hit me with your best shot. Fire away! LOL

Maybe because we drafted Travis and signed Greene as a free agent?That's what I wondered and speculated in the earlier thread.

I guess the poster on another board had the information correct.

I do wonder if Zajac could actually jump in a help the Devils now. It would be a big jump to go from the NCAA.

Pandolfo--Gomez--Gionta
Elias--Parise/Brylin--Marshall
Madden--Zajac--Langenbrunner
Brylin/Parise<-->Rasmussen--Janssen

Rafalski--Matvichuk or Hale
Martin-White
Klee/Albelin--Lukowich

Martin Brodeur
Johnny Bower ( Why the hell not? LOL )

Okay, hit me with your best shot. Fire away! LOLHoly [blank] Batman! I didn't even read your lines! Why the heck would you move Selke winner and three time finalist John Madden off of Center of his line? Madden and Pandolfo backed with White and Martin are going to be the key to the Devils success. Did you watch any of the recent games against the likely Heart Trophy winning Jagr and the Rangers? You should be baned from making lines after this. Furthermore, Rafalski is a right defenseman. Your pairings are all reversed from the way the Devils really used them.

But on a positive note, would you like your hockey woman on a playoff avatar? I used the phrase that I did because your user name is less appropriate than, say, Vladimir Malakhov

I wouldn't look for travis to be in our line up for sure. He'll probably get a taste of ahl tonight. Rats haven't won in a month. Lou's giving everyone in the org a shot. I also dont understand why andy greene cant play for albany? But could play for hte devs. We'll probably see the lil "G" tonight too.
These signings most certainly signal the end to a few players run in this organization. Best of luck to them. Anyone feeling a lil better bout the future?
(w tongue in cheek)

This makes me happy. I'm glad to see Travis take the next step, even if he isn't ready for the playoffs (which I assume he won't be.. I remember all the Parise talk last April that amounted to nothing in the end).

This makes me happy. I'm glad to see Travis take the next step, even if he isn't ready for the playoffs (which I assume he won't be.. I remember all the Parise talk last April that amounted to nothing in the end).


Agree. Signing Zajac is for the future and the possibility of him coming up sometime next season. The Devils like to have all their players first learn their system. Look for Travis to start in Lowell and the rest will be up to him.

This makes me happy. I'm glad to see Travis take the next step, even if he isn't ready for the playoffs (which I assume he won't be.. I remember all the Parise talk last April that amounted to nothing in the end).That's not entirely true. Parise was working out with Scott Stevens in hopes of both of them playing in the Second Round.

WOW! I thought he would play one more year in college but a year in the AHL will do wonders for his development. My guess is he will be in a Devils uniform when the Newark arena opens.

I guess Everson got one right. By the way, where is Everson? Grossman who usually covers the Islanders for the post is now covering the Devils. And why am I even asking? :dunno:

I guess Everson got one right. By the way, where is Everson? Grossman who usually covers the Islanders for the post is now covering the Devils. And why am I even asking? :dunno:

Because deep down, we all love Everson.

Agree. Signing Zajac is for the future and the possibility of him coming up sometime next season. The Devils like to have all their players first learn their system. Look for Travis to start in Lowell and the rest will be up to him.

In my mind I keep saying Albany... this will still take a lot of getting used to.

In my mind I keep saying Albany... this will still take a lot of getting used to.


You did get it right for at least a few more games.

With a good camp this opens Zajac up for a spot next year.

He could do wonders for the second line.

One of the most complete prospect I have ever seen come through the Devils system with the exception of Kirk Muller I can't remember one more complete than Zajac.

This guy has scored 4 shorthanded goals in 2 years at UND, led his team in scroing as a freshman and 3rd this season with an increase in production, has led his team in faceoffs and % for two years, runs the powerplay with excellent vision, bangs along the boards, has nice speed, good size....

The best thing for this kid was to leave college and further develop his skills against pro's. He already plays a pro style game another year at UND could only have delayed his professial development.

I'm so high on this kid because of his faceoff/physical/defensive abilities. Worst case scenario is this kid turns out to be a defensive speacialist type center in the mold of Madden and Holik.

Best case he become the complete two-way centerman that he has all the tools for .

Wow!
I'm shocked - I really thought he was going to stay in college. But I'm glad we were able to sign him. Congratulations to him!


Pandolfo--Gomez--Gionta
Elias--Parise/Brylin--Marshall
Madden--Zajac--Langenbrunner
Brylin/Parise<-->Rasmussen--Janssen

Rafalski--Matvichuk or Hale
Martin-White
Klee/Albelin--Lukowich

Martin Brodeur
Johnny Bower ( Why the hell not? LOL )

Okay, hit me with your best shot. Fire away! LOL
Call the funny farm...someone escaped.
<(-:**

In evreyone's opinion, do you think he will honestly make the devils right out of his first camp next year? Even Parise played in Albany for 2 seasons even though Zajac at this point could have more promise.

It is just that I know Lou likes to develop these guys in the AHL and let them get familiar with the system for a year before throwing him on the 2nd line.

No doubt he is a premier prospect and a complete package. But I was curious if it is really that clear that he will be at the CAA next year opening night.

One way or another I am excited about this signing and I cannot wait to see him play for us. He fills the Power Center void we lack.

Gomez made the team in 1999 and has never played in Albany, so it can be done. If Zajac is as good as everyone says he is, then he should be able to make the team next year with no problem. If he's ready, he's ready, but I have never seen him play so what do I know :dunno:

Gomez made the team in 1999 and has never played in Albany, so it can be done. If Zajac is as good as everyone says he is, then he should be able to make the team next year with no problem. If he's ready, he's ready, but I have never seen him play so what do I know :dunno:


I think he needs time in Lowell....He'll be on the same track (providing he performs)as Bergfors as far time goes in my opinion.

[QUOTE]In evreyone's opinion, do you think he will honestly make the devils right out of his first camp next year? Even Parise played in Albany for 2 seasons even though Zajac at this point could have more promise.

Not sure if Zach would have made the team because there was the lock-out and I believe he only played one season in Albany

i think we give him a shot in albany for a game or two then give him a final game look in NJ before the playoffs, and maybe rest madden (who will need it for the playoffs)

Gomez made the team in 1999 and has never played in Albany, so it can be done. If Zajac is as good as everyone says he is, then he should be able to make the team next year with no problem. If he's ready, he's ready, but I have never seen him play so what do I know :dunno:

Boy, I've been on every Zajac thread for the last 2 weeks guarenteeing Travis would go back to UND for his Jr. year. I am really shocked. On a non-Devils note, this is really gonna hurt UND next year... lotta ice-time to replace, not the greatest recruiting class.

Anyway, on to the Devils end of the signing. I love watching Travis play... but I think he will definately need a year in Lowell. He's got a ton skill, but for the most part he's still very raw. The one thing he could do right now at the NHL level is play the PP. He's got great hand-eye coordination, and great in front of the net.

Pandolfo--Gomez--Gionta
Elias--Parise/Brylin--Marshall
Madden--Zajac--Langenbrunner
Brylin/Parise<-->Rasmussen--Janssen

Rafalski--Matvichuk or Hale
Martin-White
Klee/Albelin--Lukowich

Martin Brodeur
Johnny Bower ( Why the hell not? LOL )
Try...
Parise-Gomez-Gionta
Elias-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Brylin-Madden-Pandolfo
Janssen/Marshall-Rassmussen-Wiemer

Matvichuk-Rafalski
Martin-White
Albelin/Klee-Lukowich

Brodeur
Clemmenson

That looks more realistic to me.

Try...
Parise-Gomez-Gionta
Elias-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Brylin-Madden-Pandolfo
Janssen/Marshall-Rassmussen-Wiemer

Matvichuk-Rafalski
Martin-White
Albelin/Klee-Lukowich

Brodeur
Clemmenson

That looks more realistic to me.Pandolfo is a left wing, and Bryin has played all three forward positions throughout his career.

Similarly, Wiemer is a left wing/center, and Marshall and Janssen are right wings. Marshall did play a two or so games at left wing, but that was because Janssen was on right wing. Personally, I wouldn't move Marshall off of the Madden line unless it was Langenbrunner who was going there, and I don't think that I would move Langenbrunner off of the second line.

Atta boy, Travis. :handclap:

Surprised by this news. Figured Travis would play another season or two in college before joining the Devils.

Wel first off, congrats to Travis signing with the Devils. If he can bring to NJ what he brought to UND, he'll be just fine and a great addition to the Devils lineup.

I'm not totally shocked by the signing, except I can recall reading numerous press reports that Travis wanted to have the opportunity to play with his brother Darcy, who's coming to UND this fall. Well, that's certainly not happening.

...I'm not totally shocked by the signing, except I can recall reading numerous press reports that Travis wanted to have the opportunity to play with his brother Darcy, who's coming to UND this fall. Well, that's certainly not happening.
UNLESS...the Devils draft Darcy, too.
}:-)>

things have just gotten interesting for sure.

UNLESS...the Devils draft Darcy, too.
}:-)>
I believe his draft year was last year.

Suprising news. I think he will need a year or two in Lowell. No need to rush him anyway. Good luck to him and I look foward to him helping out the Devils down the road.

Suprising news. I think he will need a year or two in Lowell. No need to rush him anyway. Good luck to him and I look foward to him helping out the Devils down the road.
I say a year at the most. I'm not sure if you've seen him play or not, but he brings so many different skills to the game it's incredible. Not only is a game-breaking offensive threat, he is great defensively, superb on the penalty kill, and an unbelievable faceoff man. He is pretty much everything a great center should be. The only thing I can see him getting out of a year in Lowell would be to polish off his offensive skills. They can still be a bit raw at times, but he looks great. A monster along the boards, is almost impossible to move off the puck. Also has very underrated scoring and playmaking ability. Great pickup for the Devils, tough loss for the Sioux.

Pandolfo is a left wing, and Bryin has played all three forward positions throughout his career.

Similarly, Wiemer is a left wing/center, and Marshall and Janssen are right wings. Marshall did play a two or so games at left wing, but that was because Janssen was on right wing. Personally, I wouldn't move Marshall off of the Madden line unless it was Langenbrunner who was going there, and I don't think that I would move Langenbrunner off of the second line.
Personally, I wouldn't want to see Brylin on the fourth line. I think he'd be a better fit with Madden and Pandolfo.

Huzzahhhh

MacIssac it's weird seeing you with a different avatar, but I like it :yo:

Personally, I wouldn't want to see Brylin on the fourth line. I think he'd be a better fit with Madden and Pandolfo.

Agreed. He has the same attitude and work ethic as those two. Plus they can score a clutch goal when necessary.

Agreed. He has the same attitude and work ethic as those two. Plus they can score a clutch goal when necessary.
Yeah, Brylin isn't a streaky scorer or a hard-nosed enforcer. He's a typical hard-working blue collar hockey player. He seems most effective as a shutdown player, and can play against anyone. Hell, I think he's one of the most valuable and underrated players on the Devils, and for that much the the league.

Yeah, Brylin isn't a streaky scorer or a hard-nosed enforcer. He's a typical hard-working blue collar hockey player. He seems most effective as a shutdown player, and can play against anyone. Hell, I think he's one of the most valuable and underrated players on the Devils, and for that much the the league.
Speak the Devil's name again! :handclap: 1-0 Sarge!

Huzzahhhh

Looking fine, JMac!

Looking fine, JMac!
Not looking too bad yourself Sveiglar.

Yeah, Brylin isn't a streaky scorer or a hard-nosed enforcer. He's a typical hard-working blue collar hockey player. He seems most effective as a shutdown player, and can play against anyone. Hell, I think he's one of the most valuable and underrated players on the Devils, and for that much the the league.

Yeah, he's one of those guys like Pando that may not be stars, but are integral to the devil's success over the years.

Looking fine, JMac!

Not looking too bad yourself Sveiglar.

Which one of you is Eddie Murphy, and which one is Dan Aykroyd?

(Trading Places, FYI)

I think that is a very good thing that the Devils have gotten there prospects into the professional development mode. Signing this guy to a contract is a good thing. I don't think he will get anytime in the playoffs but maybe, the practise squad in the playoffs.

I think Travis was ready for the jump. Great news to see him turn pro.

http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1144989631283940.xml&coll=1

Says in that article that his contract is for 2006-07, and that he will like sign an ATO with Albany for the last two games of the Rats season....

I can't see Zajac needing more than one full year in Lowell before he's ready to play in New Jersey. Probably the most well rounded prospect we have in the system.

Zajac: That's a fine offer Lou, but I want to play with my brother next year.

Lou: [mutters the unprintable] look Travis, you know what happens when you want to play with your brother? You end up wearing a frieking teal uniform playing hockey where hockey is a joke. Did you you ever see that movie? Ducks... Ducks... Ducks... Ducks... Ducks... Ducks... Ducks... Ducks...

Zajac: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH OK OK I'll sign!!!

Lou: [pours kool aid, raises glass] to not playing with our damn brothers [downs in one shot]

I know his brother Darcy, playing for the SalmonArm Silverbacks in the BCHL finals right now.

He had a great year, him and Matt Dyck.

Which one of you is Eddie Murphy, and which one is Dan Aykroyd?

(Trading Places, FYI)

http://www.moviesoundscentral.com/sounds/trading_places/good.wav

Did Zajac play at all for Albany this year?
}:-)>
PS - Where the heck is the prospect updates thread?

Did Zajac play at all for Albany this year?
}:-)>
PS - Where the heck is the prospect updates thread?Zajac played in the Rats' last two over the weekend. He had an assist in his second game, which was also the River Rats last game as the minor league affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. Albany was victorious against the Binghamton Senators, 5-4.

Stephen Gionta had another two goals, includning the game winner. That gives the Gionta Boys a combined 51 Goals for the Devils organization this year.

PLAYER GP G A PTS
Gionta 2 5 1 6
Zajac 2 0 1 1

Did Zajac play at all for Albany this year?
}:-)>
PS - Where the heck is the prospect updates thread?

He played this weekend and I know he had an assist in one game. I do not know what he did in the other. But there are people in this forum that will be able to tell you how he looked.

I would assume the Prospect thread is removed because most hockey league seasons are over. Nobody would be playing where it would be something to update. I am sure it will be back next season.

Zajac played in the Rats' last two over the weekend. He had an assist in his second game, which was also the River Rats last game as the minor league affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. Albany was victorious against the Binghamton Senators, 5-4.

Stephen Gionta had another two goals, includning the game winner. That gives the Gionta Boys a combined 51 Goals for the Devils organization this year.

PLAYER GP G A PTS
Gionta 2 5 0 5
Zajac 2 0 1 1

Little Gio also had an assist. :)

Thanks, everybody!
}:-)>

Little Gio also had an assist. :)You are right. I forgot that he had the hat trick and an assist in his pro debut. I have made the changes.