Le Golie said:
Have you seen much of him? He's puting up very good numbers and he has taken on a huge role and while that is very encouraging, it doesn't really tell the whole story.
This year I have seen him 8 times and I have been impressed with his poise, hockey sense and physicalness.
Going to college in Boston in the 90's I got to see a lot of really good players, and I would say Zajac compares favorably to the guys I've seen live like Chris Drury, Mike Grier, Pandolfo, Bredan Morrison(Michigan but I saw him a few times), at the same level.
Now, like I said, I am not argueing that he may only be a second line center, but from what I've seen from him this year I surely wouldn't put any limitations on his potential.
I understand what you saying though, I also have seen guys who have had incredible college careers become 3rd and 4th line checkers like Scott Pellerin (Freshman 1988-89 U. of Maine NCAA 45 29 33 62) and Jay Pandolfo (Freshaman 1992-93 Boston University NCAA 39 17 23 40 )
But the difference between a Pellerin and a Parise or a Pandolfo and Zajac becomes obvious regardless of points as soon as you see this guys live. There are some guys who just have that certain something (Hockey sense). They know how to be in the right place at the right time and they capitalize on their opportunities.
The greatest college player I have ever seen live was Paul Kariya. I got to see him 4 times(live) and a bunch televised during his 100 point Freshman campaign. The only player I have seen to date that even came close was Parise. Remeber 100 points in 1992/93 is very comparible (Not quite but close) to 60+ point in 2004. That U Main team had three players with 85 or more points ( Paul Kariya 100, Jim Montgomery 95, Cal Ingraham 85) . The reason I mention this is because I honestly believe Zajac has some of these qualities where he is dictating the play like Parise and Kariya were able to do just a lessor extent.
I think the biggest indication will be what he does in his second year. An improvement in his sophmore year will tell me a lot. I just think this kid has a tremdous upside that is really overlook on the boards. Probably cause he is a NCAA player that came out of the BCHL.....
But then again I told everybody Paul Martin was ready to step into the Devils lineup in Pre Season last year and all the Devils fans laughed at me