Introducing Andrew Brunette | THREE THINGS

On Friday morning, the New Jersey Devils announced the hiring of Andrew Brunette to join Lindy Ruff's coaching staff as an associate coach. Brunette joins the Devils with an extensive resume from both his playing days and after his retirement. Brunette, who is often referred to by his nickname Bruno, is beloved by his former teammates and opponents alike, with former NHLer and current ESPN analyst Ray Ferraro telling The Athletic:
"Find me one person that's come across Andrew Brunette in the game that … or nevermind 'in the game' … strike that, come across Andrew Brunette as a human being, and not liked him."
With that, let's learn more about the new Devils associate coach in Three Things, presented by Geico.

2. Coach of the Year Finalist

In his first and only season in a head coach role for the Florida Panthers, Brunette was named a Jack Adam's Trophy finalist as coach of the year but ultimately came up short as the runner-up to Calgary's Darryl Sutter.
Burnette had a remarkable season, thrown into the mix unexpectedly. He coached the Panthers to their first Presidents Trophy in franchise history, finishing the season with the league's best record. Under Brunette, the Panthers won 51 of the 75 games with Brunette behind the bench. The club reached the post-season, defeating the Capitals in the first round, winning a playoff round for the first time since 1996. Their post-season ended after a second-round exit to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

3. Retires Roy

It was Brunette's goal on April 22, 2003, that sent Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy into retirement. Brunette was the final NHL player to score on Roy when he beat the Avalanche goaltender in Game 7 overtime of the first round of the postseason.
Roy announced his retirement a month later, making Brunette the final player to score on the four-time Stanley Cup champion and first-ballot Hall of Famer.