Travis Zajac

Zajac began his junior ice hockey career with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). One of his teammates was Brady Murray, who would briefly play in the NHL for the Los Angeles Kings,{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0032092004.html|title=2003-04 Salmon Arm Silverbacks|publisher=Internet Hockey Database|accessdate=2011-03-23}} and his linemate was future Calgary Flames winger Kris Chucko.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/7070/devils2004_draft_review/|title=Devils 2004 Draft Review|author=Jared Ramsden|publisher=Hockey's Future|date=2004-07-01|accessdate=2011-03-25}} In his second season with Salmon Arm, Zajac led the team in goals, assists and points, and finished second overall in the League in the latter two statistics.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/top_league.php?lid=bchl2001&sid=2004&leaguenm=BCHL|title=2003-04 BCHL League Leaders|publisher=Internet Hockey Database|accessdate=2011-03-23}} At season's end, he was named the MVP of the BCHL's Interior Division,{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/7162/bchl2004_draft_review/|title=BCHL 2004 Draft Review|author=Jay Thompson|publisher=Hockey's Future|date=2004-08-22|accessdate=2011-03-25}} and he played in the BCHL All-Star Game.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/7130/devils_top20_prospects/|title=Devils Top 20 prospects|author=Jared Ramsden|publisher=Hockey's Future|date=2004-08-01|accessdate=2011-03-25}} His play attracted attention, and he was projected to be a potential first-round draft pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/7060/plot_lines_abound_at2004_nhl_draft/|title=Plot Lines Abound at 2004 NHL Draft|author=Ken McKenna|publisher=Hockey's Future|date=2004-06-26|accessdate=2011-03-25}} The projection proved accurate, as the New Jersey Devils would take him with the 20th overall pick.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/28/sports/hockey-looming-threat-of-lockout-means-less-eventful-draft.html?pagewanted=2&src=pm|title=Looming Threat of Lockout Means Less Eventful Draft|work=The New York Times|author=Joe Lapointe|date=2004-06-28|accessdate=2011-03-23}} The Devils traded up to get Zajac{{ref|1}}, which "mean[t] a lot" to him, but was not a surprise, as the Devils scouted him more than any other team. Zajac opted to play college ice hockey for the University of North Dakota rather than major junior hockey in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), as he wanted an education in addition to playing hockey.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/05/sports/hockey/05hockey.html?pagewanted=3|title=The Little Rink on the Prairie in North Dakota|work=The New York Times|author=Joe Lapointe|date=2004-11-05|accessdate=2011-04-23}} Then-Devils General Manager Lou Lamoriello commented that there would be room for Zajac on the North Dakota roster because the Devils were recalling forward Zach Parise, drafted the year earlier, to play professional hockey.

In his first season with North Dakota, Zajac scored 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points, while only accumulating 16 penalty minutes. The Fighting Sioux, as the team's nickname was then known, advanced to the 2005 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament as the second seed in the East Regional. Zajac scored two goals in the Regional Final, as the Sioux beat Boston College to make it to the Frozen Four.{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E00E0DE153FF934A15750C0A9639C8B63|title=Sports Briefing|work=The New York Times|date=2005-03-27|accessdate=2011-03-23}} He added two more in the semifinal game against the University of Minnesota as the Sioux won 4–2.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/08/sports/hockey/08hockey.html|title=A Punishing Power Play Puts Denver a Step Closer|work=The New York Times|author=Joe Lapointe|date=2005-04-08|accessdate=2011-03-23}} Although the Sioux lost to the University of Denver in the championship game, Zajac tallied a power-play goal to tie the game.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/7642/denver_wins2005_ncaa_championship/|title=Denver wins 2005 NCAA championship|publisher=Hockey's Future|author=DJ Powers|date=2005-04-10|accessdate=2011-03-29}} Despite the loss, he was named to the Championship All-Tournament Team,{{cite web|url=http://www.fightingsioux.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13500&ATCLID=204971613|title=North Dakota men's hockey timeline|publisher=University of North Dakota|accessdate=2011-03-23}} as well as the NCAA East All-Tournament Team and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) All-Rookie Team.{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471233&view=bio|title=Travis Zajac|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|accessdate=2011-03-25}}

The following year, Zajac finished the season with 18 goals and 29 assists for 47 points. That season, the Sioux featured several future NHL players, including Taylor Chorney, Brian Lee, T. J. Oshie, Chris Porter, Matt Smaby, Drew Stafford and Jonathan Toews.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0005822006.html|title=2005-06 U. of North Dakota|publisher=Internet Hockey Database|accessdate=2011-03-23}} The Sioux won the Broadmoor Trophy as the WCHA playoff champion, and advanced once again to the NCAA tournament. After defeating the University of Michigan and Holy Cross, the Sioux were in the Frozen Four for the second-straight year, but lost to Boston College in the semifinals. Zajac scored three goals and three assists during the tournament, including two assists and a goal against Boston College.{{cite web|url=http://insidecollegehockey.com/9NCAA/2006/west1_0427.htm|title=Never in Doubt|author=Jayson Hron|publisher=Inside College Hockey|date=2006-03-24|accessdate=2011-03-23}}{{cite web|url=http://insidecollegehockey.com/9NCAA/2006/west2_0427.htm|title=Powerful Sioux|author=Jayson Hron|publisher=Inside College Hockey|date=2006-03-25|accessdate=2011-03-23}}{{cite web|url=http://insidecollegehockey.com/9NCAA/2006/semi1_0429.htm|title=Collins Gets Tricky|author=Jess Myers|publisher=Inside College Hockey|date=2006-04-06|accessdate=2011-03-23}}

After North Dakota's season was over, Zajac signed an entry-level contract with the Devils, forgoing his last two seasons of college eligibility.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/9038/devils_training_camp_preview/|title=Devils training camp preview|author=Jared Ramsden|publisher=Hockey's Future|date=2006-09-11|accessdate=2011-03-25}} He scored one assist and earned two penalty minutes in two appearances with the Devils' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Albany River Rats. Despite being considered to have an outside chance at making the Devils' roster out of training camp,{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/9038/devils_training_camp_preview/|title=Devils training camp preview|author=Jared Ramsden|publisher=Hockey's Future|date=2006-09-11|accessdate=2011-03-29}} Zajac survived the first round of cuts and eventually made it to the roster on opening night of the 2006–07 season. He scored his first career NHL goal in the second game of the season against the Dallas Stars.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/9634/devils200607_rookie_review/|title=Devils 2006-07 rookie review|author=Jared Ramsden|publisher=Hockey's Future|date=2007-05-05|accessdate=2011-03-29}} Zajac was placed on the Devils' second line with former North Dakota standout Zach Parise and veteran winger Jamie Langenbrunner. The line was dubbed "ZZ Pop(s),"{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=417436|title=Zajac's evolution leads to No. 1 center role|publisher=National Hockey League|author=Mike G. Morreale|date=2009-04-14|accessdate=2011-03-29}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2010/10/desperate_john_maclean_tried_r.html|title=Desperate John MacLean tried reuniting Devils' ZZ Pops line|publisher=The Star-Ledger|author=Rich Chere|date=2010-10-11|accessdate=2011-03-29}} owing to Zajac and Zach's initials and Langenbrunner's veteran status ("Pop(s)"). Zajac would miss two games in October due to a leg injury; as of the end of the 2010–11 season, they are the only two games Zajac had missed in his professional career.{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=556005|title=Iron Man 19|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|author=Eric Marin|date=2011-03-14|accessdate=2011-03-29}} Zajac would net three assists against the Ottawa Senators in a November game. Midway through the season, to spark the Devils' offense, Zajac and Langenbrunner were placed on a line with then-captain Patrik Eliáš.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/9261/calder_corner_travis_zajac/|title=Calder Corner: Travis Zajac|author=Tanya Lyon|publisher=Hockey's Future|date=2006-12-04|accessdate=2011-03-29}} Later in the season, Zajac notched his first NHL two-goal game against the Philadelphia Flyers, and had an eight-game point streak in late March. In addition, Zajac saw time on the power play unit, scoring six goals with the man advantage. He would finish the season with 17 goals and 25 assists; his 42 points were good enough for seventh among NHL rookies, as well as seventh among all Devils players. In the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs, Zajac scored his first career NHL post-season point with an assist in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He would add two more assists in the series, as the Devils would win the series in six games.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2006030126|title=Devils at Lightning - 04/22/2007|publisher=National Hockey League|agency=Associated Press|date=2009-04-08|accessdate=2011-03-29}} In Game 1 of the Semifinals against Ottawa, Zajac would score his first career post-season goal; the Senators, however, won the game 5–4.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2006030221&navid=sb:recap|title=Senators at Devils - 04/26/2007|publisher=National Hockey League|agency=Associated Press|date=2009-04-08|accessdate=2011-03-29}} Although Zajac earned an assist on linemate Langenbrunner's overtime goal in Game 2, the Devils were eliminated in five games.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2006030225&navid=sb:recap|title=Senators at Devils - 05/05/2007|publisher=National Hockey League|agency=Associated Press|date=2009-04-08|accessdate=2011-03-29}} Zajac finished tenth in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's rookie of the year,{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeytalk.biz/flash_awards2007.htm|title=2007 NHL Awards|publisher=Hockeytalk News Flash|accessdate=2011-04-05}} and won the Devils' Fan Club award for Rookie of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=21278|title=Legends of Hockey - Travis Zajac|publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame|accessdate=2011-04-05}}

At the start of Zajac's sophomore season, he was still centering the second line with Zach Parise;{{cite web|url=http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/matvichuk_to_sit_tonight/|title=Matvichuk to sit tonight|author=Tom Gulitti|publisher=Bergen Record|date=2007-10-04|accessdate=2011-03-30}} Brian Gionta replaced Langenbrunner on right wing while the latter recovered from sports hernia surgery.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/no_captain_to_start_season/|title=No captain to start season|author=Tom Gulitti|publisher=Bergen Record|date=2007-10-02|accessdate=2011-03-30}} Zajac scored his first goal of the season in the team's fifth game against the Atlanta Thrashers, a 6–5 Devils win.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/another_crazy_night/|title=Another crazy night|author=Tom Gulitti|publisher=Bergen Record|date=2007-10-13|accessdate=2011-03-30}} In October, he was moved up to the top line, centering Gionta and Eliáš, and saw an increase in time on the power play unit.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=373079|title=Rookie class in NHL appears to be deep for poolies this season|author=Canadian Press|publisher=National Hockey League|date=2007-10-15|accessdate=2011-04-14}} January 2008 was a good month for Zajac – he had a four-game point streak, during which he tied his career high with a three-point game (three assists) against the Flyers. Despite finishing with six multi-point games for the season, he saw an overall drop in production; he finished the season with just 14 goals and 20 assists. He had one assist in five playoff games as the Devils were eliminated in the first round by the rival New York Rangers.

{{Quote box|quote="I'm able to do different things with the puck and, as a result, we're able to make plays that maybe we wouldn't have made last year. We all have each other's back and that's a good thing."|align=right |width=25em|source=—Zajac, on his chemistry with ZZ-Pop linemates Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner}}

Heading into the 2008–09 season, the ZZ Pop line was the Devils' top line, making Zajac the team's number one centre. He responded well to the role, crediting the chemistry he had with Parise and Langenbrunner as the reason for a boost in confidence. In particular, he cited his relationship with Parise, who also attended North Dakota, as helpful to his game; he felt Parise was a "big brother." In his only shootout attempt of the season, he scored the game-winning goal against the Flyers on December 21, and later that month scored his 100th career NHL point against the Rangers. He notched points in six straight games from late January to early February. His season mark of +33 was first on the team and tied for fourth in the League, after finishing –11 the year before. All told, Zajac set career highs in goals (20), assists (42) and points (62), as the ZZ Top line combined for 94 goals and 225 points. In addition to his point-scoring abilities, Zajac improved his faceoff prowess, winning 53.1 percent of his faceoffs. In the 2009 playoffs, Zajac netted one goal and three assists in seven games as the Devils lost in the first round to the Carolina Hurricanes.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030137|title=Hurricanes stun Devils to win Game 7|author=Brian Compton|publisher=National Hockey League|date=2009-04-29|accessdate=2011-05-04}}

File:Travis Zajac1.JPG

During the subsequent off-season, Zajac signed a multi-year contract extension with the Devils, avoiding salary arbitration.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=451127|title=Devils sign C Travis Zajac to multiyear contract|publisher=National Hockey League|agency=Associated Press|date=2009-07-22|accessdate=2011-05-25}} The 2009–10 season was one of many milestones for Zajac; he notched his 100th career assist in November, his 200th career point in March and appeared in his 300th game in February. In January, he scored his first career overtime goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He had another six-game point-scoring streak from February to March, during which he scored three goals. Zajac surpassed his previous year's totals in goals (25) and points (67), while tying his previous career best in assists (42). The ZZ-Pop line continued to flourish, as Parise, Zajac and Langenbrunner finished 1–2–3, respectively, in team scoring; Zajac was second to Parise in all three major statistical categories.{{cite web|url=http://hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000512010.html|title=2009-10 New Jersey Devils roster and player statistics|publisher=Internet Hockey Database|accessdate=2011-05-25}} He once again led the team in faceoffs, winning 52.9% of his draws.{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=537948|title=Zajac shooting to be an impact player|author=Eric Marin|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|date=2010-09-18|accessdate=2011-05-25}}

Zajac had high expectations heading into his fifth season. Replacing Langenbrunner on the top line was Ilya Kovalchuk, whom the Devils acquired at the trade deadline the previous year in a blockbuster trade, and re-signed to a controversial 15-year deal in the off-season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=536524&navid=DL|title=NHL, NHLPA agree to contract rules, approve Kovalchuk's 15-year deal|author=Dan Rosen|publisher=National Hockey League|date=2010-09-04|accessdate=2011-05-25}} Parise wanted Zajac to shoot more, saying he had "one of the best shots on [the] team." However, the "ZIP Line," as it was known, never found chemistry, and Kovalchuk was replaced by Dainius Zubrus shortly into the season.{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=540870|title=Devils try new lines at practice|author=Eric Marin|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|date=2010-10-18|accessdate=2011-05-25}} Zajac's productivity took another hit when Parise tore his meniscus and was sidelined for several months.{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=542561|title=Parise forced to deal with time off|publisher=National Hockey League|date=2010-11-04|accessdate=2011-05-25}}

Further injuries and poor play forced Head Coach John MacLean to shuffle his lines further; Zajac's linemates for the first half of the season included Parise, Langenbrunner,{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=542624|title=Morning skate 11.5.10|author=Eric Marin|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|date=2010-11-05|accessdate=2011-05-25}} Kovalchuk, Zubrus, Brian Rolston, David Clarkson,{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=543662|title=Devils notes 11.16.10|author=Eric Marin|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|date=2010-11-16|accessdate=2011-05-25}} Eliáš and Adam Mair.{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=546178|title=Salmela ready to return|author=Eric Marin|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|date=2010-12-13|accessdate=2011-05-25}} Despite the lack of stability for his wingmen, Zajac's faceoff ability continued to improve. He credited Assistant Coach Adam Oates, considered one of the premier faceoff men of his era, with the improvement.{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=546349|title=Zajac finding faceoff groove|author=Eric Marin|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|date=2010-12-14|accessdate=2011-05-25}} Following the firing of MacLean and the trading of captain Langenbrunner, the Devils found themselves playing better under returning Head Coach Jacques Lemaire.{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=549828|title=Offensive charge powering current surge|author=Eric Marin|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|date=2011-01-18|accessdate=2011-05-25}} Zajac snapped a five-game pointless streak, and shortly thereafter scored a short-handed goal and added three assists in just three games. Finding consistency on a line with Kovalchuk and rookie Nick Palmieri, his offense improved; during a 20-game streak, he scored five goals and added 11 assists.{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=549959|title=Improved Devils primed for Penguins|author=Eric Marin|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|date=2011-01-19|accessdate=2011-05-28}} On March 15, Zajac tied Ken Daneyko's team record for consecutive games played (388);{{cite web|url=http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=556269|title=Iron Man 19|author=Eric Marin|publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|date=2011-03-14|accessdate=2011-05-28}} he broke the record the following game against Ottawa.{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2011/03/last-place_senators_are_pothol.html|title=Last-place Senators are potholes in Devils' drive towards playoffs|author=Rich Chere|publisher=The Star-Ledger|date=2011-03-17|accessdate=2011-05-28}} Although the Devils did not qualify for the 2011 playoffs, Zajac won the team's Unsung Hero award.{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2011/04/patrik_elias_is_devils_mvp_for.html|title=Patrik Elias is Devils' MVP for 2010-11; Travis Zajac voted Unsung Hero|author=Rich Chere|publisher=The Star-Ledger|date=2011-04-07|accessdate=2011-06-14}}

File:ZajacInstructingPalmieriFayneKovalchuk.jpg, April 2011]]

On April 24, 2012, Zajac scored his second career overtime goal against the Florida Panthers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, to force a Game 7, which the Devils also won in double Overtime.

On January 16, 2013, Zajac re-signed with the Devils, committing to an eight-year, $46 million contract.{{cite web |title=Travis Zajac, Devils agree to 8-year, $46M contract |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/travis-zajac-devils-agree-to-8-year-46m-contract-1.1317288 |website=cbc.ca |accessdate=September 12, 2018 |date=January 16, 2013}}

On March 31, 2014, he recorded his first career hat-trick against Florida Panthers.{{cite web|last1=Chere|first1=Rich|title=Travis Zajac's first career hat trick lifts Devils to 6-3 win over Panthers |url=https://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2014/03/devils_69.html |website=nj.com |accessdate=September 12, 2018 |date=March 31, 2014}}

While the 2017–18 season brought the Devils back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2012, Zajac played his fewest games since the 2012–13 season due to a pectoral injury.{{cite web |last1=Beneteau |first1=Josh |title=Devils' Travis Zajac out 4 to 6 months after pectoral surgery |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/devils-travis-zajac-4-6-months-pectoral-surgery/ |website=sportsnet.ca |accessdate=September 12, 2018 |date=August 17, 2017}}

On February 21, 2021, during a game against the Washington Capitals, Zajac played his 1,000th career game for the Devils.{{cite web |last1=Whyno |first1=Stephen |title=T.J. Oshie scores twice, Capitals come back to beat Devils |url=https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-nhl-nikita-gusev-tj-oshie-new-jersey-devils-118fd5a60d9758a5ce7dcb37b2d2a09c |website=AP News |access-date=April 8, 2021 |date=February 21, 2021}} On March 30, 2021, during a game against the Boston Bruins, Zajac scored his 200th career goal.{{cite web |last1=Tartaglia |first1=Greg |title=Instant analysis: NJ Devils blow lead, fall in shootout as Bruins surge in third period |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nhl/devils/2021/03/30/nj-devils-shootout-woes-sabotage-dominance-against-boston/7059397002/ |website=northjersey.com |access-date=April 8, 2021 |date=March 30, 2021}}

During the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, while in the final season of his eight-year contract and his 15th season within the Devils organization, on April 7, 2021, Zajac was traded to the New York Islanders along with Kyle Palmieri, in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, a conditional 2022 fourth-round pick, and forwards A. J. Greer and Mason Jobst.{{cite web |title=Islanders Acquire Palmieri and Zajac from the Devils |url=https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/islanders-acquire-palmieri-and-zajac-from-the-devils/c-323382038 |website=NHL.com |access-date=April 8, 2021 |date=April 7, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Islanders acquire Palmieri, Zajac from Devils |url=https://www.tsn.ca/new-york-islanders-acquire-kyle-palmieri-travis-zajac-from-new-jersey-devils-1.1619903 |website= The Sports Network | accessdate = April 7, 2021 | date = April 7, 2021 }}

On September 20, 2021, Zajac signed a one-day contract to retire with the Devils.{{cite web |title=Zajac retires from NHL after signing one-day contract with Devils |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/devils-islanders-travis-zajac-retires-from-nhl/c-326224526 |website=NHL.com |access-date=September 20, 2021 |date=September 20, 2021}} Zajac was honored during a Devils game against the Winnipeg Jets on March 10, 2022, for playing 1,000 games with the team, where he also performed a ceremonial puck drop.{{cite web|last=Kasan|first=Sam|title=Devils Host Jets on Zajac's Night|url=https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/03-10-22-new-jersey-devils-winnipeg-jets-travis-zajac-night/c-331598270|publisher=New Jersey Devils|date=March 9, 2022}}

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{{MedalSport | Ice hockey}}

{{MedalCompetition| World Championships}}

{{MedalSilver | 2009 Switzerland| }}

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Zajac was a member of Team Canada at the 2009 IIHF World Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=423105|title=Zajac sees evenly matched finales in East, West|publisher=National Hockey League|author=Dave Lozo|date=2009-05-18|accessdate=2001-04-05}} He scored no points in five games, and helped Canada to a silver medal, losing to Russia in the final. He was later named as an alternate captain to the Canadian team for the 2011 IIHF World Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75137/la_id/1/season_id/152954/profile_id/159013/team_id/82455/ss_id/139135/|title=TEAM PROFILE|publisher=Hockey Canada|accessdate=2011-04-14}} He would finish with a goal and two assists in seven games{{cite web|url=https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/261/IHM2610CAN_83_7_0.pdf|title=Player statistics by team - CAN - Canada|access-date=2011-05-25|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120909204345/http://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/261/IHM2610CAN_83_7_0.pdf|work=IIHF|archivedate=2012-09-09}} as Canada finished in fifth place.{{cite web|url=https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/261/IHM2619900_76_9_0.pdf|work=IIHF|title=Tournament Progress|access-date=2011-05-25}}

{{Quote box|quote="I'm a big, physical forward who can beat guys one-on-one... Drive the puck to the net. I win the battles in the corners. Pretty offensively skilled, more of my game is offensive, but defensively I'm pretty sound. A pretty versatile player. Play in all situations."|align=right|width=25em|source=—Zajac, on his style of play in 2004}}

Zajac is credited for being a versatile player, able to play on the power play and penalty kill equally well. Former coach Jacques Lemaire called him "the most complete player" on the team.{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2010/03/jacques_lemaire_says_travis_za.html|title=Jacques Lemaire says Travis Zajac is Devils' most complete player|author=Rich Chere|publisher=The Star-Ledger|date=2010-03-25|accessdate=2011-06-14}} When they were on the same line, Parise credited his offensive output to Zajac's defensive responsibility.

Zajac's father played hockey for three years at the University of Denver. Travis's three brothers, Darcy, Kelly and Nolan, all play ice hockey as well.{{cite web |last1=Hamilton |first1=Jeff |title=Youngest Zajac lives up to family name at Jets development camp |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/youngest-zajac-lives-up-to-family-name-at-jets-development-camp-1.2702895 |website=cbc.ca |accessdate=September 12, 2018 |date=July 10, 2014}}

In 2009, Zajac married former captain of the University of New Hampshire women's ice hockey team Nicole Hekle.{{cite web |title=NEW JERSEY DEVILS 2013-14 MEDIA GUIDE |url=http://devils.nhl.com/v2/ext/PDF/2013-14_Devils_MediaGuide.pdf |website=NHL.com |accessdate=September 12, 2018 }}{{cite web |last1=Strang |first1=Katie |title=Zajac kept in check by harshest critic |url=http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/8888876/qa-new-jersey-devils-center-travis-zajac |website=ESPN.com |accessdate=September 12, 2018 |date=February 21, 2013}} The couple have three children.{{cite web |last1=Gross |first1=Andrew |title=Greene will play but Zajac leaves Devs to be with wife |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nhl/devils/fireandice/2017/03/10/greene-play-but-zajac-leaves-devs-wife/99034328/ |website=northjersey.com |accessdate=September 12, 2018 |date=March 10, 2017}}

{{note|1|1}}The Devils traded their first-round draft pick (22nd overall) and third-round draft pick (88th overall) to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Dallas' first-round pick (20th overall).{{cite book |title=2010–11 New Jersey Devils Media Guide |publisher=New Jersey Devils Hockey Club|year=2010 |page=221}}

• List of NHL players with 1,000 games played

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• {{Ice hockey stats}}

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{{succession box | before = Zach Parise | title = New Jersey Devils first round draft pick | years = 2004 | after = Niclas Bergfors}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Zajac, Travis}}

Category:1985 births

Category:Living people

Category:Canadian ice hockey centres

Category:Ice hockey people from Winnipeg

Category:NHL first-round draft picks

Category:New Jersey Devils draft picks

Category:New Jersey Devils players

Category:New York Islanders players

Category:North Dakota Fighting Hawks men's ice hockey players

Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States

Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen