30 All-Time Best Draft Choices | 40 YEARS WITH STAN

Within a space of eight years, the New Jersey Devils annexed three Stanley Cups and came close to making it four titles in 2001.
Each triumph -- not to mention seasons before and after the title years -- was aided and abetted by insightful, adroit drafting. Having Lady Luck around once in a while didn't hurt either. Herewith are my all-time favorite choices from the Entry Drafts, starting with the club's first season to the present.

2. SCOTT NIEDERMAYER: 3rd Overall, 1991

This was another Lou gem; trading average defenseman Tom Kurvers for the Maple Leafs' 1991 first-rounder. No NHL defender ever played a more constant, sensational -- yet low-key -- 200-foot game than this British Columbia product. Scott's effortless skating -- blended with Gretzky-like offensive skills -- .made Nieder the perfect blue-line match with rugged Ken Daneyko. Most vivid to many veteran fans was the rebound-off-the-wall goal scored by Niedermayer against the Red Wings at Detroit in the 1995 Final. It enabled New Jersey to take an unexpected series lead that eventually led to a four-game sweep. Scott's explosive stride and excellent passing rate among his most valuable assets along with career-long resilience. He also helped Team Canada win a Gold Medal in the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. "He was New Jersey's equivalent of Boston's Bobby Orr," claims Devils' historian Noam Kogen.

3. PATRIK ELIAS: 51st Overall, 1994

Some critics might argue the point but the consensus is that this clever Czech stands out as the best overall -- that includes going for goals and defending -- forward in New Jersey history. Bred in the Devils farm system at Albany, Elias gained a varsity role and never relinquished it.
Equally adept at scoring and playmaking, Patrik's late game-winning goal against the Flyers in the 1995 playoffs was the precursor to the club's eventual first championship. His sudden death "blind" pass to Jason Arnott in Game Six at Dallas in the 2000 tourney led to the club's second Cup. A career Devil, Patrik was honored with a "Night" at The Rock and remains a legitimate Hall of Fame candidate. One historian labeled Elias, "One of the new generation of superstars" during the prime of his career. "Patrik ranked among the best players I ever skated with or against," concluded Arnott. Patrik was as smooth and complete a forward as any in franchise history.

4. KEN DANEYKO: 18th Overall, 1982

Relatively unknown when g.m. Bill MacMillan chose the Edmonton native in 1972, Kenny matured into the defensive boulder alongside the lyrical Scott Niedermayer. A lifetimer with the franchise -- he retired after the third (2003) Stanley Cup win. More than any forward or defenseman, Daneyko earned the title Mister Devil. His perseverance and grim determination rubbed off on his teammates and gave the organization its blue-collar hallmark. Over a period of two decades, Ken became the role model's role model for the New Jersey faithful. He once had a consecutive game-playing streak of 388, then a record among active players. And up until the 2003 Final playoff round, Kenny had played in all playoff games in the team's history. Despite never wearing the captain's "C," Dano ranked among the all-time team leaders.

5. JOHN MACLEAN: 6th Overall, 1983

A graduate of the famed Oshawa Generals Junior hockey factory, Johnny Mac -- in the last game of the 1987-88 season -- scored what then were the biggest goals of the young franchise's history. First, it was the game-tying tally late in the third period, followed by the overtime tally over the Blackhawks in Chicago. Mac's scores capped a frenzied homestretch run that enabled New Jersey to oust the rival Rangers for the playoff berth; the first in Devils' history. Not to be overlooked was Mac's superior offensive play during the 1995 Final against Detroit which paced the Devs to their first Stanley Cup. Affable and articulate, Johnny became a media favorite; ever-smiling and available with a good quote. He played 14 of his 19 years as a Devil. One scouting report put it well about Mac: "His style was marked by tenacity along the boards and an enthusiasm to play every night." Johnny was a perfect blend of Mr. Dependable and Mr. Clutch.

6. SCOTT GOMEZ: 27th Overall, 1998

He didn't look much like a hockey player when he was wearing civvies. The Alaskan center had a funny, duck-like walk and his lack of size seemed to doom his potential career. But once Scotty stepped on the ice he was hard to catch. In what some considered a rebuilding (1999-2000) year, Gomer -- along with rookie John Madden and Brian Rafalski -- energized New Jersey to its second Stanley Cup. Gomez topped it off by winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year. He also helped power the Devils to their third Cup in 2003. Scott's happy-go-lucky persona infused the dressing room smiles but it was his galvanic on-ice style that had fans leaping out of their seats as he scored or was the architect of another classy goal.

7. KIRK MULLER: 2nd Overall, 1984

Notorious, in a sense, because he was the second overall pick behind legendary Mario Lemieux, Kirk was a noble Devil who grew into the club's captaincy and -- side by side with Johnny Mac -- helped forge the Devils into a dynamic contender. Unlike the gifted Lemieux, Muller gained fame with a relentlessly dogged checking game that was a coach's delight. His captaincy re-defined leadership both on the ice as well as in the clubhouse. During his productive New Jersey years, Muller averaged 26 goals but his value eternally was obscured by the fact that Mario Lemieux was picked one ahead of him in the 1984 Entry Draft. "Still," said Max McNab, then a Devils executive, "Kirk gave the club everything he had in his arsenal and we couldn't ask for anything more."

8. BILL GUERIN: 5th Overall 1989

A prominent Garden State sportscaster once described Billy G as "The Devils' Answer To Maurice (The Rocket) Richard." Although the Massachusetts product never reached --nor came close to -- The Rocket's heights as a scorer or Hall of Famer, Guerin played the same dynamic, speeding locomotive-type game as Richard. It took a few seasons for Bill to gain his niche but by the classic 1994 playoff against the Rangers and -- more importantly -- the 1995 chase for the club's first Cup, Billy reached his offensive peak. Like teammates, Johnny Mac and Captain Kirk, Guerin was a media delight. That persuaded an MSG Networks analyst to quip: "So what if he never was The Rocket; he's our Billy!" After the 1995 Cup victory, Bill brought the trophy to his hometown, Wilbraham, Massachusetts where "Bill Guerin Day" was celebrated in the entire little city.

9. SEAN BURKE: 24th Overall, 1985

He was a virtual nobody until the 1988 Winter Olympics arrived in Calgary. Suddenly, Team Canada's goalkeeper arrested attention. With his team striving for its first playoff berth, g.m. Lou Lamoriello summoned the big puck-stopper to East Rutherford. Sean's sparkling efforts (10-1-0) galvanized his mates into a miracle rush that wound up with the first postseason tourney in The Meadowlands. In the opening playoff round, Burke carried his mates over the first-place Islanders and then Washington before they exited in a pulsating seven-game semi-final with the Bruins.

10. BRENDAN SHANAHAN: 2nd Overall, 1987

After becoming Lou Lamoriello's first pick as g.m., the happy-go-lucky youngster showed up at Byrne Arena wearing a captivating Irish Green suit jacket and proceeded to shine as New Jersey's first outstanding power forward. Fans loved Shanny because he could fight as intensely as he charged around rinks. Fearless to a fault, he also was regarded as one of the brainiest members of the offensive troupe and one who lived up to his notices as a first-rounder who will get noticed, big-time. "For fifteen years," wrote historian Andrew Podnieks, "Shanahan was one of the league's most dominant power forwards."

11. TRAVIS ZAJAC: 20th Overall, 2004

As centermen go, this tall drink of water ranks right up at the top along with Kirk Muller. A lifetime Devil, Zajac proved to be the perfect two-way pivot; one who never would sacrifice defense for goal-getting. His leadership qualities were nonpareil and his place of honor among New Jersey's finest athletes was cemented when a "Night" in his honor was held at Prudential Center. His scouting report read like this: "Great at face-offs, the perfect pivot for Zach Parise, and arguably the best all-around center in franchise history."

12. PAT VERBEEK: 43d Overall, 1982

"Fiesty" could be his middle name although foes such as the Rangers' icon Brian Leetch might offer some other term to go with it. One of the first -- and best -- selections g.m. Bill MacMillan ever made. Mac immediately stated that this light tank on skates could be a "sleeper" winner. It turned out to be an understatement as Patty -- teamed with Kirk Muller -- brought instant pizazz to the roster. Verbeek was one of the most industrious, Devils during the frantic gallop to the club's first playoff berth in 1988. During that spurt, Verbeek beat Rangers goalie John Vanbiesbrouck with a key penalty shot and also out-punched Hall of Famer Leetch in a lusty fight. His nickname -- Little Ball of Hate -- may have been a bit of an exaggeration but Patty never asked to have it changed. After all, he never played the game according to Good Housekeeping rules. Perhaps most amazing is the fact that after an off-season farming accident that cost him the loss of a finger, he was able to return and be a star.

13. ZACH PARISE: 17th Overall, 2003

Imagine facing the iconic Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby in a season opener. The son of Islanders playoff ace J.P. Parise not only matched The Great Sid but actually outplayed him that memorable night in East Rutherford. Although not in the Hall of Fame category, Zach thrilled Devils Nation with a dipsy-doodle skating style that drove enemy defenders nuts trying to keep up with him. In a sense, one of the highest bits of praise was heaped on Zach when an MSG analyst called him "The Poor Man's Sid Crosby!" Among Parise's innumerable highlight goals was delivered against the Canadiens. After a fierce bit of backchecking, he corralled the puck, spun free along the left boards, and at a very high m.p.h. electrified onlookers with his score. Lou had to trade up to get Parise but it was a worthwhile move. He was talented, scrappy, and indefatigable as a Devil.

14. PETR SYKORA: 18th Overall, 1995

The pride of Pilzen of then Czechoslovakia, Pistol Pete left his native land to seek his fortune in the National Hockey League. Lou Lamoriello took a gamble on him and it paid off; most certainly in the 1999-2000 season when he became an essential cog on the club's A-Line alongside fellow countryman Patrik Elias and center Jason Arnott. His four 20-goal seasons were remarkable considering that the Devils consistently preached defense. He helped win the 2000 Cup and played his entire career with New Jersey.

15. ADAM HENRIQUE: 82nd Overall, 2008

In the Devils' Pantheon of "Unforgettable Goals," a Henrique series-winner against the Rangers automatically zooms to the top of the list. Fans remember the 2012 tournament with the Rangers with consummate delight because of the prelude and the finale. The curtain riser was an intense coach battle between New Jersey's Peter DeBoer and New York's John Tortorella. Then there was the Goalie War pitting Martin Brodeur against Henrik Lundqvist. The furious war game on ice came to a furious conclusion when Henrique dethroned King Henrique with his double OT series-clincher and then added a retort courteously by jubilantly trying to climb the end-of-the-rink glass as a human exclamation point! Also not to be forgotten was Adam's double OT winner against Florida in Game Seven of that opening round.

16. SERGEI BRYLIN: 42nd Overall, 1992

When the Devils AHL farm team in Albany opened camp during the autumn of 1994 a peach-faced rookie from Russia drew more and more attention as the weeding out process evolved. Despite appearing minuscule among the big guys, the kid continued to impress. "He was just too good to be rejected, said Albany River Rats coach Robbie Ftorek, "so we kept him around, and you know what happened after that." When the lockout-shortened 1994-95 NHL season resumed, the all-purpose forward not only graduated to the big team but scored a pair of third-period goals in the Devils Cup-clinching fourth series game against Detroit. "Over the years," the book, Players, noted, "Brylin established himself as one of New Jersey's best players."
He could play all forward positions with ease and was adept at the PK. He played on all three Cup-winners.

17. JAY PANDOLFO: 32nd Overall, 1993

Although he was a collegiate scoring star at Boston University, the native Bostonian went through a metamorphosis as a Devil. He became one of the foremost defensive forwards of his era; and a penalty-killer extraordinaire along with John Madden. When on PK duty the pair were just as apt to become a scoring threat with a short-hander and, yes, Pando did score but not with the rapidity that he displayed on the university level. His resiliency was apparent one night in Detroit when he crashed from behind into the end boards and suffered a serious head injury, yet he returned to courageously finish the game. "It was such a pleasure to team up with Jay," said Madden "because he played so unselfishly and was the perfect team guy."

18. CHRIS TERRERI: 85th Overall, 1983

After Sean Burke's heroics and before Martin Brodeur entered the scene, this Providence College hero performed nobly in goal for New Jersey. Small by goaltending standards, Terreri compensated with electrifying moves that often produced spectacular saves. During the 1990-91 season, he played in 53 New Jersey games and came up with a commendable 24-21-7 record. Once Brodeur established himself, Terreri was both backup and tutor. The high command had no qualms about using Chris in key playoff games. His most critical postseason wins took place at Boston Garden in 1995 when he won two out of two and later went on to earn his first of two Stanley Cup rings.

19. BRIAN GIONTA: 82d Overall, 1998

Despite being saddled with a demeaning scouting report of "Too small to survive in the NHL," the five-foot-five speed demon fooled the critics. "They forgot to take into account Brian's big heart," said GM Lou Lamoriello. Totally fearless, Gionta would think nothing of challenging such giants as Zdeno Chara and giving them a good what-for. Ultra-smart and with a sizzling shot, Brian proved an effective scoring threat. This point was hammered home by an overtime Spin-o-Rama goal against Boston's Vezina Trophy-winner Tim Thomas in Beantown. The mighty mite evolved into one of Lamoriello's best Draft choices.

20. DAMON SEVERSON: 60th Overall, 2012

Young defensemen tend to develop slowly in the National Hockey League and this Western Canadian from Melville, Saskatchewan is a perfect example. Although some critics contend that Severson has been too slow to become a blue-line force, the fact is that he's been a workhorse who enjoyed his career year last season with 11 goals, 35 assists, and 46 points. All signs indicate that the best is yet to come.

21. PAUL MARTIN: 62nd Overall, 2000

You could call him "The Defenseman's Defenseman" and nobody would challenge that assessment. A cerebral player all the way, Paulie reeked of class, doing his job with little rumpus but a ton of smarts. "Paul played the game the way it was meant to be played," opined Lamoriello, "and the bottom line is that he got the job done and did it well so very often." Some would call him "The Poor Man's Scott Niedermayer." This much is certain; when Martin left the team, a huge void was left on the blue line.

22. CRAIG WOLANIN: 3rd Overall, 1985

Before the glorious playoff and Stanley Cup seasons, there still was a job to be done. When it came to blue line chores, Wolanin stood tall for the Jerseyites. "He played good team defense," said hockey historian Andrew Podnieks, "rather than obtaining great personal stats in goals and assists. Yet the Michigan native scored one of the most remarkable goals in Devils history against the Blackhawks. Craig wound up a slapshot from the center ice dot and the screamer flew past an unscreened goalie Bob Mason. Overall, Craig delivered a solid, reliable game with little fuss or fanfare.

23. NICO HISCHIER: 1st Overall, 2017

His development was slower than hoped, considering that he was a top overall pick. But he's developed into a quality, all-round leader and deserved to be picked team captain. G.m. Tom Fitzgerald compares the Swiss center to Bruins ace Patrice Bergeron. "Nico's game and attention to detail in the 200-foot game is what reminds me of Bergeron," says Fitz. "He's very mature; a down-to-earth person who has strong values. He's not a flashy player but extremely thorough." Nico proved it in his rookie year, centering for left wing Taylor Hall, who totaled 93 points and won the Hart Trophy. Hall made a point of crediting Hischier for helping him win the Hart. "Nico is ascending every year," Fitz concludes, "and now he's in the leadership mode."

24. ADAM LARSSON: 4th Overall, 2011

Considering that the players selected before Larsson (Jonathan Huberdeau) and after him (Ryan Strome). Larsson didn't live up to expectations. But the bottom line was that he was a defensive D-man who played his role well if not spectacularly. In good time. Larsson -- teamed alongside reliable Andy Greene -- grew in stature and, eventually, developed so well that the Devils were able to trade him and obtain future MVP Adam Hall in return.

25.. COLIN WHITE: 49th Overall, 1996

In some ways, he was a latter-day Ken Daneyko. White used his abundant size to advantage and gradually moved into the top-four defensive rotation. He played his position well and occasionally chipped in the offense. Colin's dependability enabled him to contribute to the 2000 and 2003 Cup winners. "Coly was a presence," said Scott Gomez, "and when he was on his game, he ranked among the league's solid guys on the blue line."

26. MACKENZIE BLACKWOOD: 42nd Overall, 2015

The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was going strong until injuries and illness detoured his career. A product of the Devils' farm system, the big guy (6-4, 225) worked his way to a starting role and, for a time, seemed destined to keep it. Some observers believe the best is yet to come and that's why the current season will be key for Blackwood going forward.

27. JESPER BRATT: 162nd Overall, 2016

The Stockholm-born left wing paid his dues in Swedish competition before emerging as one of the best Devils forwards. He does so many things well that some press box types see a lot of Patrik Elias in his game. Imagine what a bargain Bratt was; a sixth-round choice becoming an integral part of the offense.

28. JACK HUGHES: 1st Overall, 2019

Living up to his sky-high notices has been no small feat for this product of the Hughes Family Hockey Machine. Not only has he had to keep pace with older brother defenseman Quinn, who arrived a year earlier in the NHL (2018), but now there's another Hughes on the New Jersey roster -- kid brother Luke, a promising defenseman. Now that Jack has hit his stride, he's justifying the Devils' faith in him as a future star. There's no question that this gifted center is a keeper, now and in the future.

29. SCOTT CLEMMENSEN: 215th Overall,1997

Considering that he was the first Iowa-born player to become a Devil and was virtually buried in the Draft, Clemmer was a huge and pleasant surprise. He proved to be a superb back-up and during the 2008-09 season racked up 40 games with a nifty 2.39 goals against average and .917 save percentage. One reporter described him as "A good, solid, reliable goalie."

30. CRAIG BILLINGTON: 23rd Overall, 1984

It's never a good idea to rush a goalie into the Bigs before his time and that was the prime issue working against the agile Billington. But eventually, his natural talent paid off and in 1992-93 Biller produced a 21-16-4 record while forming an acceptable tandem with Chris Terreri as a prelude to the Martin Brodeur Era.