Islanders: Predicting Travis Zajac’s New Role

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 25: Travis Zajac #19 of the New Jersey Devils in action against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Capital One Arena on March 25, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Last night, the New York Islanders made a trade to land both Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac from the New Jersey Devils. While Palmieri’s role is a little more obvious, Zajac’s role may have to change from what he’s used to.

For most of his career, he’s been a solid middle-six center, and now at 35, he’s transitioned to one of the better third-line centers in the sport. This season, he has 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) a 45 point pace over a full season.

There’s a…