New Jersey Devils: Travis Zajac Injury Could Be Blessing In Disguise
The New Jersey Devils are clearly worse off right now without center Zajac. But it might wind up being a blessing in disguise for them.
The New Jersey Devils were already a bit shorthanded as far as their forward core. Despite adding Taylor Hall and Marcus Johansson the past two offseasons, their depth simply isn’t that good. Travis Zajac‘s injury, which will keep him out for the next four to six months.
Obviously, it’s never good to lose one of your top two centers. Zajac put up 14 goals and 45 points in 80 games last season while averaging 19:44 of ice time per game, the most of any Devils forward. Their top six, for the time being, takes a hit. The Devils were going to rely heavily on their top two lines to produce to make up for what will likely be a weak third and fourth line. With Zajac out, that obviously changes things.
However, as bad as it might seem without him, the Devils could benefit from this. Here’s a look at why Zajac’s injury, though it harms the team right now, might wind up being a good thing for their future.
Tanking
The NHL is set up to reward teams that tank with a great chance of getting a high draft pick. This doesn’t always happen, but it doesn’t change that being awful is beneficial for a rebuilding team. Zajac’s injury obviously hurts the Devils now and makes them worse. Guess what? This means they’ll likely be terrible without him, giving them a better chance at a top draft pick.
Things can easily change in a year, but next year’s draft crop appears to be pretty deep as far as defensemen. The Devils could really use a budding young defenseman, as their blue line core might be the weakest in the NHL.
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Zajac’s injury won’t guarantee them Rasmus Dahlin, the projected number one pick. However, even if it puts them in position to get Ty Smith or Jett Woo, or even another skilled forward, that’s optimal for the Devils.
Hischier
Probably the best thing that comes from Zajac’s injury is Nico Hischier gets immediate playing time. And it gives him a top six role, which should be good for his development and growth.
Hischier has the potential to win the Calder Trophy. His chances just got better with Zajac’s injury. Playing alongside at least one of Taylor Hall, Marcus Johansson and Kyle Palmieri should help build his confidence and his point totals. Considering Zajac got top line minutes last year, the simplest way to replace him is to put Hischier there.
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Centers of Attention
On paper, the New Jersey Devils should have quality center depth once Zajac is back. Five clearly NHL caliber guys, which is a notable improvement over last season. Adam Henrique, Zajac, Brian Boyle, Pavel Zacha and Hischier will give the Devils options. Maybe Zajac’s injury gives them some time to build up someone’s value and swap them for a defenseman.
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Though the Devils will miss him for however long he is out, in the long run, it might wind up being a good thing for them.