Devils honor Zajac in pregame puck drop ceremony

Retired forward played 1,024 games for New Jersey, fourth most in team history

WPG@NJD: Zajac takes one last face off for Devils

By Anna Kulesa
@akulesa_ NHL.com Staff Writer

The New Jersey Devils gave Travis Zajac a final sendoff Thursday.

The former Devils forward took part in a pregame puck drop ceremony prior to the Devils matchup against the Winnipeg Jets Thursday. Zajac's wife, Nicole, and his three kids Zenon, Veronika and Anya dropped the ceremonial puck between Zajac and Jets captain Blake Wheeler.

Zajac signed a one-day contract in September to retire as a member of the Devils.
"I feel grateful for the past 15 years, but also excited about the future," Zajac told
the Devils website
. "I'm ready for the next chapter in my life. I made some great friendships that will last forever; I made some great memories that I'll cherish for the rest of my life."
Before the special puck drop ceremony, Zajac took the ice one last time to cheering fans at Prudential Center.

Zajac spent 15 seasons with New Jersey and played 1,024 games, the fourth most in Devils history, behind only Ken Daneyko (1,283), Martin Brodeur (1,259) and Patrik Elias (1,240).

Latest News

2026 Milano Cortina Olympics On Tap: Slovakia, Finland to meet in opener

Team USA reminiscent of 1996 World Cup of Hockey squad: Granato

Team Canada connects at spectacular Ice Palazzo set up for athletes, families in Milan

Steve Kerr cheering on Celebrini in 2026 Winter Olympics 

Tkachuk brothers meet up with Olympic figure skater Malinin

Team USA men cheer on women’s hockey squad in win against Canada at 2026 Olympics

Plekanec enjoying new career path as Czechia Olympic assistant coach

Draisaitl hopes Olympics will put more eyes on hockey in native Germany

Gudas hoping to match father with Olympic medal for Czechia

Team USA hangs with Snoop Dogg at 2026 Olympic Games

EDGE stats: Sleeper countries for Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

Team Italy hoping to 'surprise some people' at Olympics

Fantasy rankings for Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

Fantasy picks, props, futures for Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

NHL's 'My World' YouTube docuseries features Werenski of Blue Jackets

Slafkovsky hopes for another magical run at Olympics with Slovakia

Team Canada goalie breakdown for Milano Cortina Olympics

Team Slovakia embraces underdog role at Olympics, eager to surprise