Travis Zajac profile

As many of you know, I am a huge Zajac fan, though I like to think I did this profile in a more unbiased way (though it's still a glowing report.. because he's a very good player!). Anyhow, some information about Zajac:

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospect.php?pid=3999

As many of you know, I am a huge Zajac fan, though I like to think I did this profile in a more biased way (though it's still a glowing report.. because he's a very good player!). Anyhow, some information about Zajac:

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospect.php?pid=3999
If you had to rank him in our organization where would you put him? Number two right after Parise?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/draft/draft04/tracker/player?playerId=50

Scouts say a big part of their job is projecting how a player will turn out in five years and Travis Zajac definitely put them to the test.

"He played (Junior A) and you'd really like to see how he would do against his (draft eligible) peers in major junior," said a scout.

Zajac put up a lot of points and everybody took note of that. In fact, that's the main reason teams scrambled to see him late in the season.

"He can score and is very competitive," said one scout. "He has a good feel for the net."

Scouts like his skill and intensity, but wonder how he'll do when the going gets rough.

"How tough is that league he was in?" said a scout. "Can he put up big numbers when the other team is out to get him?"

Zajac is creative, has great hands and does the little things that win games. His defensive game is sound and will only get better in a solid program next season. He's off to U.S. college (North Dakota) and scouts look forward to getting a better read of his NHL potential.

http://www.newyorkrangers.com/team/nhldraft04/profile.asp?Player=Zajac

SCOUTING REPORT
A creative player with great hands who does the ?little things? to win games ? Is a good skater with a fluid stride and excellent balance ? Uses his outstanding on-ice vision and skill to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates ? Is always one step ahead of the play ? Carries the puck with poise and confidence ? Is very patient when drawing opponents to him ? Scores in a variety of ways and maximizes his opportunities ? Has a strong work ethic ? Is willing to battle one-on-one to gain or help keep puck possession ? Is difficult to knock off the puck under pressure ? Does not hesitate to venture into the ?tough? areas of the ice ? Fights through checks and anticipates the play well ? Is a ?go-to? guy in clutch situations.

If you had to rank him in our organization where would you put him? Number two right after Parise?

That's a question I was going to put out to the board. I'd slide him in at #5 behind Pihlman. Maybe #4. But I'd keep Parise, Ahonen and Suglobov at 1,2 and 3 respectively.

#1 Parise
#2 Ahonen
#3 Suglobov
#4 Zajac
#5 Foster (who rises over Pihlman because of his AHL play)
#6 Pihlman
#7 Kadeykin
#8 Vrana
#9 Tallackson
#10 DeMarchi

That's my ten.

#1 Parise
#5 Foster (who rises over Pihlman because of his AHL play)

I thought Pihlman had a better season than Foster this year, at least he was healthy.

I would place Zajac either at #2 or #3 personally, depending on how much you like Ahonen.

#1 Parise
#2 Ahonen
#3 Suglobov
#4 Zajac
#5 Foster (who rises over Pihlman because of his AHL play)
#6 Pihlman
#7 Kadeykin
#8 Vrana
#9 Tallackson
#10 DeMarchi

That's my ten.


I agree with this list. I can't see putting Zajac above Suglobov until he a least has some sucess at UND. I also like Foster at #5.

By the Time Zajac will be NHL ready, no more CAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!