New Jersey Devils: Numbers To Be Retired

Due in part to a relatively brief history, the New Jersey Devils have retired but two jersey numbers: Scott Stevens' number 4 and Ken Daneyko's number 3.

Today, I got to thinking about what other numbers we might see hanging from the roof of the Prudential Center in the future. A lot of names came to mind, and I made a mental list of who I think will certainly receive the honors, those who simply won't, and a bunch of people in between. This is a compilation of those players. It's not a complete list of all Devils in history; just a few names that I mulled over.

I've divided them all into categories based on how likely their number is to be retired, and added a few comments of my own.

The No-Brainers

Martin Brodeur, No. 30

This one's easy. Brodeur is arguably the greatest goaltender of all time, let alone in Devils' history. The most wins, soon-to-be most shutouts, and three Stanley Cups are just a few of the standout achievements on Brodeur's resume. Fact is, in many ways, Brodeur IS the New Jersey Devils. He's the most recognizable face in franchise history, and if anyone on the team should have his number retired, it's this career-Devil.

Patrik Elias, No. 26

Elias, while underappreciated, is the Devils' all-time leading scorer. He's a career Devil and even spent a short stint as the team's captain. Elias will likely be the team's first forward to have his number retired, and it's tough to dispute that he's been the best forward in team history.

Scott Niedermayer, No. 27

The only stain on Niedermayer's record is the fact that he left the Devils for Anaheim in the middle of his career. Barring a return to the organization, Niedermayer will not retire a Devil, something that displaces him from the likes of Stevens, Daneyko, and (as of now, at least) Brodeur and Elias.

In fact, aside from Stevens, all the other players were career Devils. But Niedermayer spent most of his career in New Jersey, and what a career it was. His name appears toward the top of many team records, and he won three Cups and a Norris Trophy with the Devils. Oh, and he was the first to wear the captain's C after Stevens played his final game. He's arguably the best defenseman in team history (even if not as recognizable as Stevens), and it would be hard not to retire his number once he calls it quits. And then Mike Mottau would have to find a new number.

John MacLean, No. 15

MacLean may not have retired a Devil, but he spent most of his career with the team, and until recently was its most prolific scorer. He's still with the organization, coaching its AHL affiliate in Lowell, and will most definitely be considered for the team's head coaching job when it is next vacant. Lou Lamoriello has supposedly said that MacLean's number will be retired, and it's about time he came through on his promise.

Zach Parise, No. 9

Too early to tell? Not for this guy. He's already looking like the team's next big star, and while it's still early career, he could be a top forward in the league for years to come. In a Hart Trophy-worthy performance last season, Parise almost broke the team's record for scoring in a season, and will have many more chances to try and break that record in the future. He's not a no-brainer because of his age, but he's going to be a great one, and will get the special treatment.

Maybe

Sergei Brylin, No. 18

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