Ray Shero, who returns from the IIHF world championships in the Czech Republic Tuesday, will have some important decisions about how he wants to retool the Devils this summer.

Naming a head coach is just one of the decisions Shero faces. Several players, including center Travis Zajac, wonder where they will fit in on a Devils squad that is not run by outgoing general manager Lou Lamoriello.

"To be honest, I'm not sure how I'll be affected," Zajac told NJ Advance Media. "I think I'm a very coachable player. Whatever they expect from me or want me to do, I'll do whatever it takes to help this team in any way. I believe in this organization.

"I don't see the change being too much of a problem for me. But with Ray, and when we get a new head coach, we'll sit down and see what they expect from me. I have a lot to give still and I feel like I can still help this organization and this team."

Zajac, who has six seasons remaining on an 8-year, $46 million contract extension he signed in January of 2013, agreed that the Devils need to bring in some offensive help.

"Yes, I do. We would all like to score more goals. There is no doubt about that," he said. "We could use some help at some positions and hopefully we can get that. If not, everyone will have to elevate their game. I don't think we're far away from where we want to be, but you can always bring in pieces that can help."

Travis Zajac:

On Flyers coach Dave Hakstol

Can Zajac be part of the answer? He scored 25 points this past season (11 goals,14 assists) in 74 games. His career high in the NHL are the 25 goals he scored in 2009-10.

The question of whether he is viewed as the Devils' No. 1 center and what his role becomes will partly be determined by the next coach. Zajac, who has a full no-trade clause, is anxious to find out Shero's choice as head coach.

"I am. It's obviously going to be an interesting summer. There are some good coaches out there," Zajac said. "I don't know what direction Ray has for this team, but it's going to be exciting for us nonetheless having a new voice there with Ray. We'll see what shakes out this summer."

Zajac said the front office change came as a surprise.

"I was surprised just because the way Lou built the foundation of this organization it's always been Lou Lamoriello," he said. "I guess when you think about it, it was going to happen sooner or later. But when you think of the Devils you think of Lou Lamoriello as the guy who spearheaded everything.



"It will be a change, but I don't know if the foundation will ever change of what Lou created."

That will be Shero's call.

Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook.