"It may take a few more years but Zajac's leadership is helping lay the foundation."
Loughlin has watched Travis in games, at practices, and on the road and concludes that Zajac is "a true Devil." How does Matt define that?
"He shows up each day, gets to work, and never complains. He's humble, durable, and professional as well as very competitive. His quiet exterior belies that fire that burns inside him.
"In that respect he reminds me of (Hall of Fame defenseman) Scott Niedermayer. They both display a quiet demeanor yet have a fierce determination to win every battle."
As I recall, having covered Travis from his rookie year, he was at first rather bashful about interviews. It seemed as if he just wanted to play hockey and let the veterans do the talking. But that changed in time.
Once he got used to the NHL and the league media, he became more open, more insightful, and totally candid with his answers. He became the "go-to" interview.
"Most important," Loughlin concludes, "his teammates love him because he never cuts corners, never takes a day off. In many ways he's still the kid from Winnipeg. Polite respectful, happy, and dedicated to his craft. He's a true Devil!"
