Devils, Islanders forward Travis Zajac retires after 15-year NHL career

After spending various months with the New York Islanders to help bolster their playoff run, veteran forward Travis Zajac rejoined the New Jersey Devils on a one-day contract to retire with the workforce he spent the sooner 15 seasons with.

“I was drafted in 2004 and carried out my first recreation in 2006. As I stand proper right here nearing the tip of 2021, I can solely be grateful to sign one closing time, and retire as a New Jersey Devil,” Zajac talked about in an announcement. “As a baby having fun with hockey on the outside rinks in Winnipeg, I dreamt about having fun with throughout the NHL. Rising up the oldest of 4 boys, it was the right hockey environment. Due to my dad and mother unwavering help in our lives, that dream turned a actuality. Then, I acquired to dwell that childhood purpose for 15 years with the Devils.”

Zajac appeared in 1,024 video video games with the Devils, which ranks fourth in franchise historic previous, recording 202 targets (tied for third in franchise historic previous) and 348 assists (fifth) for 550 components (third) over parts of 15 seasons with the workforce. That included a go to to the Stanley Cup Final with the workforce in 2012, which they misplaced to the Los Angeles Kings. 

In April, Zajac was traded alongside Kyle Palmieri to the Islanders as they able to ramp up for a postseason run whereas discovering forward depth after shedding Anders Lee for the season ensuing from injury. 

Zajac recorded a purpose and an assist in 13 regular-season video video games and appeared in an additional 14 playoff video video games for the Islanders, who superior to the Stanley Cup semifinals for a second-consecutive season. He scored all through their second-round sequence in direction of the Boston Bruins. 

Collectively together with his having fun with days accomplished, Zajac will transition to a participant progress and consulting place with the Devils, whereas moreover working to develop the membership’s youth hockey initiatives.