Eyes On Isles
Fansided

Islanders: Future trade targets for GM Lou Lamoriello

By Michel Anderson

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 21: (L to R) David Conte, first round draft pick (#17 overall) Zach Parise, Lou Lamoriello and Claude Carrier of the New Jersey Devils pose for a portrait on stage during the 2003 NHL Entry Draft at the Gaylord Entertainment Center on June 21, 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images/NHLI)
NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 21: (L to R) David Conte, first round draft pick (#17 overall) Zach Parise, Lou Lamoriello and Claude Carrier of the New Jersey Devils pose for a portrait on stage during the 2003 NHL Entry Draft at the Gaylord Entertainment Center on June 21, 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images/NHLI) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
New York Islanders
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 30: Travis Zajac #19 of the New Jersey Devils looks on during the second period against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on November 30, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Travis Zajac | New Jersey Devils

It’s possible that Lou already tried to get Travis Zajac just this past season. According to Zajac’s agent, a team inquired about Zajac’s services at the end of January, but the veteran Devils player didn’t want to waive his no-trade clause to leave the only team he’s ever known.

But that was this year.

Next season will be Zajac’s last year before he can hit free agency. He turns 35-years-old this May so perhaps he’s not looking for another gig after this deal is done with the Devils. But if he’s still got the itch to keep playing he might just waive that no-trade to move.

The Devils won’t likely be much better in 2020-21 than they are now. The rebuild has just begun and the kids they’ve drafted are just beginning to turn into NHL’ers, it’s still going to take some time before they turn things around.

Getting something for Zajac at the deadline is better than the nothing they’ll get when his contract is up.

I understand that he probably wants to be a one-team player. Drafted by Lou with the 20th overall pick in 2004 he probably wants to retire as a Devil. I’m sure Andy Greene felt the same way, but getting a second and a prospect, even if it’s David Quenneville, a player that bounced between the AHL and ECHL, is a return that the Devils can’t ignore.

Lou might just double back the next deadline and see if Zajac still wants to stay. Assuming that was Lou who inquired in January, of course.

Home/NY Islanders News