Center Travis Zajac ended his 15-year NHL career where it started, signing a one-day contract Monday in order to retire with the New Jersey Devils.

Zajac, 36, played all but 13 of his 1,037 games with the Devils, who traded him to the New York Islanders last season.

Since they entered the NHL in 2005, Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals have battled each other for scoring titles, individual awards and postseason glory.

But as the generational talents enter their 17th season together, Crosby said he's rooting for his rival to make hockey history and break Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky's career scoring record of 894 goals.

"I hope he does. I told him today that I hope he does," said Crosby, who was attending the NHL players media tour here with Ovechkin. "It would be awesome. He's in range."

Longtime NHL player, coach and executive Paul Holmgren, retired forward Peter McNab and broadcaster Stan Fischler make up the 2021 class of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

USA Hockey announced the class Thursday. Holmgren, McNab and Fischler are set to be inducted along with the class of 2020 at a ceremony in December.

David Backes retired from the NHL on Wednesday after signing a one-day contract with the Blues.

The 37-year-old forward was selected by the Blues the in the second round (No. 62) of the 2003 NHL Draft and played 10 seasons with them. He was captain from 2011-16 and is seventh all-time in Blues history in goals (206), points (460) and games (727).

Backes scored four points (three goals, one assist) in 15 games with the Ducks last season.