It seems the notion of the Toronto Maple Leafs trading for Travis Zajac of the New Jersey Devils isn't quite as farfetched as it once seemed. According to a report from Rich Chere of NJ.com, talk continues to persist and, further, "grow louder," that the Leafs are seriously pursuing a Zajac trade with the Devils. Potential compensation, per Chere, ranges from a deal that includes miscast No. 1 Leafs center Nazem Kadri to a possible package deal that includes New Jersey-native James van Riemsdyk, and beyond.
As Chere notes, it would seem to be "no secret" at this point that former longtime Devils GM/coach/executive Lou Lamoriello, now the GM of the Maple Leafs, would like to find a way for Zajac to join him in Toronto. Per Chere, Lamoriello and now-Devils GM Ray Shero are said to be discussing "several potential deals," one of which would include van Riemsdyk, a New Jersey native.
Of course, considering van Riemsdyk's age and production, it would likely mean a package deal including Zajac and other compensation heading to the Maple Leafs. Zajac has five seasons remaining on his current deal at an AAV of $5.75 million. His deal also includes a no-trade clause, though he'd likely be willing to waive it in order to reunite with Lamoriello and assume a top role for a rebuilding Leafs team.
Fortunately for the Devils, it seems several young forwards may be ready to step up if Zajac is indeed shipped off to bluer pastures. Chere points to Jacob Josefson as a player who would likely "assume a greater role" in Zajac's potential absence, though recent first-rounder Pavel Zacha has played well, as have Reid Boucher and Joe Blandisi.
