![]() But, the stage was set for something wonderful to happen. While the talent was there, times were dark in New Jersey. Not only were the Devils ousted, but they had to watch bitterly as their biggest rival hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup. Yes, that season the Devils and Rangers met in the Eastern Conference Finals, and when history, movies and literature all tell you that sometimes the bad guys win, point to this season of NHL hockey. ![]() The 1992-93 season, Stevens’ first as captain would end the same was his first season in red and green (different colors at the time folks) ended: a first round playoff exit.ġ993-94 looked to be the year the Devils had a solid squad, Scott had put up a career high 78 points (18 goals, 60 assists) and the team had a chance to right the wrong of two years ago when Our Hated Rivals took them out in round one, but this time on a much bigger stage. Stevens would serve his first campaign in Jersey as an alternate captain to Bruce Driver he would claim the “C” the next season, and hold it for the next 12. The other players were not happy upon acquisition either thankfully, the play on the ice started to speak to everyone, telling them that maybe they had something special on their hands. The Devils marriage to Scott Stevens wasn’t a happy one at first Stevens himself wanted no part of the team due to issues surrounding the organization and as he and his wife wanted to settle in St. Scott Stevens was now a New Jersey Devil. The case would go to arbitration, and when the Blues laid out the same package, the Devils made a simple ask in return: Scott Stevens.Īrbitration came and it was Judge Edward Houston who would change the course of Devils history. The Devils, however, wanted none of it their alleged compensation was one of the Blues stars: Brett Hull, Adam Oates or Scott Stevens. In NHL hindsight, it’s really not a bad offer even with conditions on the picks. The Blues offered then young goaltender Curtis Joseph, 21 year old forward Rod Brind’Amour and a pair of conditional draft picks. Louis’ next four first round picks were still in play to Washington (the 1991 pick having passed and not been Top 7), the teams had to come to an agreement, which they struggled to do, leading to one of the most infamous moments in NHL history. Louis, but they were now entitled to compensation. The Devils made the same play as the Caps they elected to let the player sign with St. Restricted Free Agents and the Trouble They CauseĪt the conclusion of the 1990-91 season, the Blues were back to offering deals for RFAs, this time targeting Brendan Shanahan of the (you guessed it) New Jersey Devils. History sometimes has a funny way like that. While the Blues had spent considerable time trying to sign Scott, and had him locked up for three more years, his first season as a Blue would be his only. Another five goals, another 44 assists, and another 150 minutes spent in the box. Louis became the team’s captain, and in his first season he would continue to add to his reputation. As an RFA, the Caps declined to match the offered contract Stevens was a Blue, and the Caps acquired two first round picks, which would turn into a nowadays unheard of five first round picks should neither of the initial two be a Top 7 choice. Louis Blues came offering Stevens a four year deal. Stevens wound up playing eight seasons for Washington, amassing 98 goals, 331 assists and a penalty minute total never dipping under 150 each of those campaigns. Scott would find his way to the NHL immediately, and while he would not win the Calder Trophy, he would still find a large degree of success to start his career. That honor belongs the Washington Capitals, who selected Scott fifth overall in 1982, the very same season the New Jersey Devils came to be. In the Beginningįor being best remembered as one of the premier Devils players of the 1990s, it may shock younger or newer Devils fans to learn that Stevens was NOT drafted by Jersey’s Team. That player of course is Scott Stevens today we look back fondly on his great career, his impact on the Devils, and of course, the bone-jarring hits he laid down. While there will be a 12th in the near future (perhaps the team does not name a captain next season), one man stands out among the list, having served for 12 seasons and of course being the one to hold the role during the team’s most successful years. In the New Jersey Devils 37 season history, the team has had only 11 players don the “C” on their jersey, signifying their captain. We’ve officially hopped into the way-back machine today folks.
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