Originally a San Jose Sharks‘ 5th round pick in the 2004 draft (#153 overall) center Steve Zalewski(15) was dished to New Jersey Devils in the last year of his entry level contract in a four player trade. His numbers had dipped that season to the point where he fell from the depth chart.
He played 3 NHL games in the 2009/2010 season but failed to register a point.
As soon as he got to the Devils‘ AHL affiliate in Albany he regained his scoring touch and that continued into 2011/2012.
For his efforts he received his 1st recall and was dropped off by the team bus at a New Jersey truck stop to join the Devils for their game against Boston at the Prudential Center but only took warm-ups and was a healthy scratch.
He made his debut a couple of nights later, a 5-2 win for the team. No telling how long he’ll stay up in the NHL but if they keep winning, look for him to become a more permanent part of their lineup.