After the amazing moves executed by Fitzy & Co so far this offseason, I too wanted to play (armchair) GM and attempt to create the best Devils team possible using players who’ve donned the jersey anytime between 1982-2023.
I viewed this like making a team in a video game – historical players on, auto trades on, salary cap off. All these guys were magically plucked from their prime – regardless of what team they were on at that time – and placed on the roster to formulate NJD’s All Time Team.
It was a fun experience learning more about some of the great players to lace up the skates in the garden state that I didn’t even know about – looking at you Peter the Great. Had to keep the A Line intact because their chemistry was off the charts, but aside from that and our top D line, all pairings are unique.
Let me know what you think of my attempt and if I missed anybody that should be starting or placed on the reserves/honorable mentions as there were more than a few guys I had a hard time leaving off the roster (e.g. Albelin vs Martin).
LGD!!!
by Patches-TCS
30 Comments
Prime Brian Gionta in shambles
If it’s by career and not just Devils tenure, Phil Housley should probably get a look
Fetisov, Andrechyuck and Gilmour are worthy names to add to this dream team. Fun post!
Jagr doesn’t belong on this list
But more importantly where’s Zajac and Henrique???
Absolutely love that the A-Line was left untouched. If I’m making any edits though I’m bumping Jagr up to 1st line. Him and Hughes is a must
Where’s the legend Randy McKay?
Surely our one and only Hart winner must be higher on the list than the 4th line
Neidermayer and Hamilton on a d-line together would be incredible
Bill Guerin and or Stephane Richer?
Let me politely say “no.” Any list that puts Claude as an alternate is not worth consideration. There was no RW more important to this franchise.
And, I am sorry, Paul Martin but no Fetisov?
Can’t buy into this list. Sorry.
Lemieux being a reserve player is just straight up trolling. The dude literally won the Conn Smythe for our first cup.
I love this list nice job!
My only disagreements would be Jaromir Jagr & Chico Resch.
Jagr scored 24 goals for the Devils in 2013-14, but was only on the team for a little under 2 seasons.
I would consider Pat Verbeek, Brian Gionta or Patrik Sundstrom as superior RWs during their time with the Devils.
I love Chico and he was my favorite Devil during those early, bleak seasons in NJ, but there were several goalies who had superior stats (even Keith Kinkaid). Chico was the team’s marquee player after the move from CO to NJ, but Sean Burke was magical during the team’s first playoff run in 1988.
Corey Crawford?
How is Joe Nieuwendyk not on this list?
Madden with the blackeye and playoff beard
What about Sean Burke behind Marty? I’m sure his numbers weren’t elite but he did lead us to the playoffs for the 1st time.
The “4th” line could easily be Verbeek Muller and Johnny Mac.
I don’t have any arguments about the D with the exception of Slava.
Fetisov needs to be on this list
Kirk Muller
Bobby Farnham?
My all time team would be:
Elias-Gomez-MacLean
Niedermayer-Rafalski
Brodeur (Schneider as backup)
Confident Hughes will overtake Gomez by the end of his career though.
Since it’s fantasy, marty and chico definitely.
Guys I love Hughes but come on lol
Joe Nieuwendyk over Bobby Holik. He should also be on the starting roster with Arnott getting the bump.
Zajac
Sergei Fetisov should be in one of those D spots.
This team really hasn’t decided whether it’s giving merit to Devils tenure or players’ primes, even though it claims the latter. I get that personal preference has to kick in with only so many roster spots, but Jaromir Jagr as a third liner (I’m all for keeping the A-line together like you did, and understand that makes things trickier) and no sight of Phil Housley or Joe Nieuwendyk? All due respect to Paul Martin and Scott Gomez, they were great players and greater Devils than those two in their primes, but not the other way around.
Still a great list. Everyone’s gonna have their two cents
I love Jack and Nico but I don’t think they’ve warranted spots on this list just yet.
Team needs Sarge
Elias gets the A. Not Nico.
Sorry.
No Kirk Muller?