FEATURE: Zajac Ready to Return

A clichéd way to talk about a player's 1000th game would be that it's been a long ride. For Zajac, he could say that not only about his illustrious career which has seen him play 998 contests including his NHL debut on October 6, 2006 at Carolina, but also about the final nine-game journey going back to March 10 of last year.
"It's been a little bit of a waiting game, but it's going to make it all the more sweeter. It's been out of my control things that have happened this year, but really looking forward to it. And really looking forward to doing it in this team with this team and this organization."
Only 65 players in NHL history have played 1000 games with one team and Zajac will likely join that list on Sunday in Washington.

Some NHL teams have never had a single player play 1000 games for them, but Zajac makes it four for the Devils after Ken Daneyko (1283), Martin Brodeur (1259) and Patrik Elias (1240).
Ironically, Zajac began his career with Elias on the ice.

"I still remember it," Zajac said of his first game. "I still remember in Carolina on the road. I just remember standing for the anthem. I was in the starting lineup with Jamie Langenbrunner and Patrick Elias, my first game.
"So that was special to be thrown into the fire with those guys. It was a great, a great start. We won the first game and I'll never forget that."
Zajac spoke fondly on what Brodeur, Elias, Langenbrunner and others taught him as his career blossomed in New Jersey.
I was pretty fortunate coming in. When I did to, to a team with guys like Marty, Patty Langenbrunner John Madden. So I was coming into a winning culture and a team first mentality.

"Those guys helped me become a pro and learn what it took to be a good teammate on and off the ice to stay in the league, what you had to do. I was grateful to be around those guys in the early parts of my career and they've provided me the guidance to where I am now," he began. "They've done so much for this organization and the game in general. And they are winners and it's something that I've always tried to strive to be just like just like those leaders have been."
Devils head coach Lindy Ruff talked about that leadership quality that Zajac brings.
"I have a lot of respect for how he plays the game at both ends of the ice. Offensively, he has good skill. Defensively, he has great awareness. Face-offs, he's typically one of our best. You can play him in any situation, with anybody," Ruff stated. "He's ready to accept any role, any responsibility at any given time in the game."

Ruff added that with the schedule now as packed with games as it is, having a veteran like Zajac will be immensely helpful.
"It's a valuable piece for where we're at. The games we're going to play in a short amount of time, some games will be lack of energy and you have to be smarter with how you play."
Zajac is only happy to contribute back to the organization in a leadership capacity. Playing his 1000th game for the Devils and having only played for the Devils, is a major achievement for him.
"To do it with this organization, it's just, there's so many good people here that have helped me along the way. And I'm grateful for that. They've given me a chance to start my career and play into the later stages of my career. So very fortunate to have had a lot of people surround me and helped me along the way. Coaches, players, management, training and medical staff.
"So like I said, it's when it does happen, I'll look back on and it will be a special moment."