Travis Zajac is just two games away from his 1,000th in the NHL, but that will have to wait for now. The Devils announced on Friday morning that their veteran forward missed today's skate for COVID-19 related reasons.
Devils Head Coach Lindy Ruff confirmed after practice that Zajac is officially in the League's COVID protocol.
Tweet from @NJDevils: #NEWS: C Travis Zajac is not participating in practice today due to a Covid-related absence. pic.twitter.com/1qNnqr8PRg
He says it's "likely" Zajac is out the next two games against Buffalo this weekend. While he's in the protocol he will not travel.
"I think we're becoming accustomed to it," Ruff said of the club's recent bout with adversity and missing star players. "We start the year without Bratt and Nico [Blackwood is in COVID protocol]. But I think every team is dealing with those situations. It's no excuse."
Ruff adds that it's a chance for young players to step up and for the team to learn "not to lose."
BLOG: Zajac in Covid Protocol
Travis Zajac unlikely to play this weekend in Buffalo and will not travel until he is out of protocol
