Pittsburgh Penguins Offseason: Metro Division Under-the-Radar Impact Players

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Jan 6, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center

Travis Zajac

(19) shoots the puck at Buffalo Sabres goalie

Jhonas Enroth

(1) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

New Jersey Devils – Travis Zajac 

Last season was very disappointing for all New Jersey Devils fans. They will be wanting to put the 2014-2015 season in the rear view mirror and start fresh in the upcoming season. It was not only a mediocre season for the entire Devils team, but also for Travis Zajac who finished with 25 points in 74 games. Zajac makes $5.75 million, which is incredibly high for a player who only registered 25 points last season.

With the Devils looking to re-tool and gain some ground in the Metropolitan division this season, Zajac needs to produce 50 points. The Devils will likely have to deal with the burden of this contract because no team will take such a high cap hit on a player who has been struggling recently.

I believe Zajac will have a bounce back season this year, because he knows that last year wasn’t his best and he wants to win a cup. By no means am I saying the weight of the season will be on his shoulders, but he must be a difference maker on the ice. General manager Ray Shero and company will be counting on him to be more productive.

Next: Jordan Staal