Zajac was drafted No.20 overall in 2004 and spent the first 14 and half years of his career with the Devils before joining the Islanders for a 13-game stint in 2021. Zajac retires with 552 career points (203G / 349A) in 1037 regular-season games. The Devils announced that Zajac will "remain with the organization in an on/off-ice player development and consulting role, while also working to grow the club's youth hockey initiatives."
Because Zajac was able to drive from New Jersey after Wednesday's trade, quarantine is not required, so he'll immediately make his Islanders debut. It's unclear where he will play in his first game with his new team but his addition could lead to J-G Pageau moving to the wing.
Zajac has not played since February 28th but will play Saturday vs. the Sabres. Because the Devils did not have a full practice on Friday, it's unclear who Zajac will replace or who he will skate with but he will suit up in his 999th career NHL game.
Zajac's addition to the COVID-19 reserve list means that he will not be available for Saturday's matinee in Buffalo. With Zajac out, Pavel Zacha will likely shift back to centre after playing the last game on Zajac's wing and the Devils may need to go to the taxi squad for a 12th forward.
Zajac did not travel to Montreal for Saturday’s game, so look for Kurtis Gabriel to suit up in his place. Pavel Zach will likely move up the lineup to replace Zajac, who has two goals and nine assists (11 points) in his last 12 games.
Zajac has had a great start to the season, scoring two goals with two assists in his first five games. Zajac was forced to leave Thursday’s game vs. the Avalanche in the second period and never returned. Zajac will be re-evaluated later next week, but the Devils are hopeful that it is a short-term injury.
Zajac was forced to miss Saturday’s game in Nashville, but will replace Jesper Bratt tonight in Vegas. Zajac, who will have Michael Grabner and Brian Gibbons on his wings, returns with 20 points (10G / 10A) in 51 games this season.
Zajac missed Saturday’s game in Nashville after suffering a lower-body vs. the Jets last Thursday. Travelling out west means there’s a chance that Zajac will play this week (Wed. in Vegas, Sat. in L.A. or Sun. in Anaheim). Monitor the centre’s status as the week progresses.
Zajac was hurt late in Thursday’s game vs. the Jets and will not be available against the Predators tonight. With Zajac and Pavel Zacha both out of the lineup, Brian Gibbons will move up the lineup and centre the second line tonight.
Zajac will make his season debut after missing the first 17 games with a pectoral issue. Despite skating with Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri in his first practice, Zajac will centre Jesper Bratt and Drew Stafford tonight in Toronto. The 32-year-old is coming off of a 14-goal and 31-assist in 80 game season.
Zajac will return home to be with his wife as they’re are expecting the birth of their third child. With Zajac out, Adam Henrique will move up between Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri.
Zajac took a maintenance day on Monday, but will accompany the team to Winnipeg for Tuesday’s game. The Devils recalled Miles Wood from Albany (AHL) ahead of the road-trip, so expect him to play if Zajac can’t play vs. the Jets.
Zajac will miss his seventh consecutive game with an upper-body injury, but there is a chance that he returns at some point this weekend. Monitor his status as we head into the weekend.
Zajac has missed the last two games and did not travel with the team to Toronto for Thursday’s game. His movement to IR made room on the roster to call up Joseph Blandisi from Albany (AHL). His movement to IR is retroactive to December 3rd, so he is eligible to return whenever he is healthy.
