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New Jersey Devils: Assessing Futures of Andy Greene and Travis Zajac

By Andy Studna |
NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 16: Travis Zajac #19 and Andy Greene #6 of the New Jersey Devils celebrate an empty net goal by Blake Coleman #20 (not shown) at 19:02 of the third period in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 16, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Lightning 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 16: Travis Zajac #19 and Andy Greene #6 of the New Jersey Devils celebrate an empty net goal by Blake Coleman #20 (not shown) at 19:02 of the third period in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 16, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Lightning 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

With little to play for in the coming months, the New Jersey Devils have rightfully been exploring their options with players on expiring contracts. Two of the most intriguing are the only remnants of the team’s memorable run to the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals; Travis Zajac and captain Andy Greene.

Zajac still has another full season left on an extension he signed on Jan. 16, 2013. Then general manager Lou Lamiorello inked the veteran centerman to an eight-year deal worth $46 million, carrying an average-annual value of just under $6 million.

In recent weeks, different reports on the future of Zajac have surfaced. Last week, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported in his weekly “31 Thoughts” column that Zajac had been presented with a trade opportunity. While Zajac’s agent, Kurt Overhardt would not disclose details on the team that came to the Devils with the proposal, it seems likely that it is from Lamoriello himself. He is the general manager that drafted Zajac in 2004. Zajac, having a full no-trade clause in his contract, was not willing to waive that for the time being and he will reassess his future following the season.

A few days ago, The Athletic’s Corey Masisak reported that Zajac, as well as Greene, both met with interim general manager, Tom Fitzgerald to discuss their future with the Devils. Zajac re-affirmed his willingness to remain with the Devils, so it appears likely that the 34-year old will remain with the team beyond the upcoming trade deadline.

We all know Lamiorello’s history with re-treads; that being said, Zajac staying put in New Jersey for the time being should not come as a surprise. Nothing against Zajac, but teams would certainly be pushed away by his salary, even if the Devils retained some of it. While the veteran centerman has been a mainstay alongside Blake Coleman and Nikita Gusev on the team’s most consistent line this season, he would most likely be playing in a more diminished role with any other team.

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With another full season remaining on his contract, Zajac was always more likely than not to stay in New Jersey past the deadline. Meanwhile, Greene’s contract expires at the end of this season. The undrafted, veteran defenseman signed a five-year extension worth $25 million in July of 2014, and like Zajac, has full no-trade protection.

While the Devils captain is eligible to sign an extension at any time, it is unlikely given that the organization still seems unsure of the direction it wants to go in beyond this season. Greene is also 37-years old, so it is not a guarantee that he would even want to play anywhere next season.

As far as what all this means for the Devils, it is still unclear considering the organization currently has interim tags on its coach and general manager. In Fitzgerald’s introductory press conference, Devils managing partner Josh Harris was intent on saying that the team is looking to win games now. That may be ear wash, but if the organization is going to attempt to be competitive for next season, they’re probably going to need the veteran leadership and ability of both Greene and Zajac.

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Another huge factor for both veterans is their allegiance to the Devils franchise. Zajac played in his 971st career game, all with the Devils, on Monday night in Ottawa. With 33 games remaining, he will have an opportunity to hit the 1,000 games mark. Greene currently stands at 915 games played, all with the Devils as well, so he would have to play in the NHL again next season to achieve the 1,000 games plateau.

Zajac appears a shoo-in to become the fourth Devil to play in 1,000 games for the red and black, joining legends Ken Daneyko, Martin Brodeur, and Patrik Elias. Greene would have to re-up with the Devils specifically to become the fifth player on that list.

Unfortunately, only time will tell what direction the Devils will want to go in at the deadline. If the organization decides to hold on to some key pieces like Sami Vatanen and Kyle Palmieri beyond the deadline, it is probably a safe bet that they just want to reset and try again to be competitive in 2020-2021. Regardless of the direction of the team, Greene and Zajac are such important pieces to this franchise that there will surely be opportunity for both of them to stay beyond their current contracts if they choose.

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