New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Devils

Company type	Private
Industry	Professional ice hockey
Predecessor	Kansas City Scouts, Colorado Rockies
Founded	1974 (as Kansas City Scouts)
Headquarters	Newark , United States
Area served	Metropolitan Division, Eastern Conference, National Hockey League (NHL)
Key people	Lou Lamoriello (former president and general manager), Josh Harris and David Blitzer (owners)
Products	Ice hockey team
Owner	Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
Website	www.njdevils.com

The New Jersey Devils represent a professional ice hockey franchise situated in Newark, New Jersey. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as members of the Metropolitan Division within the Eastern Conference. Established in 1974 originally as the Kansas City Scouts based in Missouri, the team relocated to Denver in 1976, becoming the Colorado Rockies. In 1982, the franchise moved to New Jersey, adopting the Devils moniker, which draws inspiration from the mythical Jersey Devil. For 25 years, their home games were held at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford before transitioning to the Prudential Center in Newark in 2007. Ownership lies with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), with founders Josh Harris and David Blitzer acquiring the team in 2013.

The organization faced early challenges, failing to qualify for the playoffs and never rising above fifth place in their division during their initial five seasons in New Jersey. A significant shift occurred following the appointment of president and general manager Lou Lamoriello in 1987. Under Lamoriello's leadership, the Devils reached postseason play all but three times from 1988 through 2012, including an impressive run of 13 straight playoff appearances between 1997 and 2010. The team consistently posted winning records from the 1992–93 season through 2009–10. Before realignment placed them into the Metropolitan Division in 2013, they captured nine Atlantic Division championships. The Devils advanced to five Stanley Cup Finals, capturing titles in 1994–95, 1999–2000, and 2002–03, while finishing as runners-up in 2001 and 2012. Renowned for their defense-oriented approach, they were instrumental in popularizing the neutral zone trap during their most successful era.

The Devils maintain intense rivalries with nearby franchises, particularly engaging in a cross-Hudson River rivalry with the New York Rangers, as well as competing fiercely against the Philadelphia Flyers. They are one of three NHL teams located within the New York metropolitan area, alongside the Rangers and New York Islanders. Furthermore, they rank among four major professional sports teams hosting home contests in New Jersey, alongside NFL teams—the New York Giants and New York Jets—and MLS’s New York Red Bulls. Following the relocation of the New Jersey Nets to Brooklyn in 2012, the Devils have stood as New Jersey’s sole major league sports team.

Kansas City and Colorado

In 1972, the NHL announced an expansion that included a franchise based in Kansas City, Missouri, owned by Edwin G. Thompson’s consortium. Dubbed the Scouts after a prominent local statue, this team struggled from inception. During their debut season of 1974–75, they played their first nine games away before hosting at Kemper Arena and secured their inaugural victory on their tenth game against the Washington Capitals. The Scouts ended last in the Smythe Division with a total of 41 points, outperforming only the Capitals. The subsequent season was even more difficult; they earned just 36 points and endured a nearly record-setting 27-game winless streak. Financial instability and attendance problems emerged, with NHLPA head Alan Eagleson raising concerns about player compensation.

After two seasons in Kansas City, ownership relocated the franchise to Denver where they became known as the Colorado Rockies and played at McNichols Sports Arena. Their first game under this identity resulted in a win against the Toronto Maple Leafs; however, an extended 18-game winless run during the 1976–77 campaign prevented playoff qualification. The Rockies finished last again but showed slight improvement during the following season by clinching a playoff berth despite an overall weak record. Their postseason ended quickly with elimination by the Philadelphia Flyers in a preliminary round.

The franchise experienced ongoing instability during its Colorado tenure, cycling through ten head coaches across eight years without achieving sustained success. They never surpassed 22 wins per season and failed to reach playoffs after 1977–78. Before the start of the 1978–79 season, Arthur Imperatore—a trucking magnate from New Jersey—purchased the team with plans to relocate it to New Jersey. However, delays constructing their intended Meadowlands arena and competition within nearby markets postponed this move, keeping them based in Denver.

In 1979, Don Cherry was appointed head coach alongside notable player Lanny McDonald but was dismissed following another disappointing season. After two additional years remaining in Denver, John McMullen—a native of Jersey City and owner of Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros—acquired ownership on May 27, 1982, subsequently relocating the franchise to New Jersey. This relocation required compensatory agreements with existing regional teams—the New York Islanders, Rangers, and Philadelphia Flyers—for territorial rights infringement.

1982–1993: Establishing the groundwork

On June 30, 1982, the franchise adopted the name New Jersey Devils, inspired by the mythical Jersey Devil, a legendary figure from the Pine Barrens region of South Jersey. The team’s name was chosen through a public vote involving over 10,000 participants. They commenced play in East Rutherford, New Jersey at the Brendan Byrne Arena, which was later renamed Continental Airlines Arena and then Izod Center, serving as their home venue until the conclusion of the 2006–07 season. The Devils were assigned to the Wales Conference's Patrick Division. Their inaugural game resulted in a 3–3 draw against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with Don Lever netting the franchise’s first goal. The team recorded its first victory by defeating the Rangers 3–2. That season ended with a 17–49–14 record, placing them three points above the division’s bottom spot.

In November 1983, following a heavy 13–4 defeat to the Edmonton Oilers, Wayne Gretzky labeled the Devils a "Mickey Mouse operation," though he later clarified that his remarks had been exaggerated. Embracing this characterization, Devils supporters donned Mickey Mouse-themed attire when Edmonton returned in January 1984, despite losing narrowly 5–4. That same season, New Jersey hosted the NHL All-Star Game; goalie Chico Resch earned recognition as the winning netminder, while defenseman Joe Cirella contributed a goal as the Wales Conference triumphed 7–6. The team struggled overall; head coach Bill MacMillan was dismissed after just 20 games and succeeded by Tom McVie, who was later replaced by Doug Carpenter following another season with only 17 wins.

On January 22, 1987, amid a severe blizzard impacting the New York metropolitan area, only 334 spectators attended a Devils game against the Calgary Flames at Brendan Byrne Arena. The Devils secured a 7–5 victory and honored these dedicated fans by establishing the "334 Club," granting them lifetime membership status.

The Devils assembled a foundational lineup featuring players such as John MacLean, Bruce Driver, Ken Daneyko, Kirk Muller, and Pat Verbeek, with Resch guarding the net. Their performance improved consecutively from 1983–84 through 1986–87; however, they failed to qualify for playoffs and finished last in their division during both the 1985–86 and 1986–87 seasons. Owner McMullen appointed Providence College athletic director Lou Lamoriello as team president in April 1987; Lamoriello also assumed general manager duties ahead of the 1987–88 season.

The franchise achieved its first winning season in 1987–88. On the final day of regular play, tied with rivals Rangers for the last playoff slot, John MacLean scored an overtime goal securing New Jersey’s inaugural postseason appearance as the Devils. They advanced to the conference finals but were defeated in seven games by the Boston Bruins. This series is remembered for an incident involving coach Jim Schoenfeld, who verbally confronted referee Don Koharski, resulting in his suspension and replacement officials officiating one game.

In 1988–89, however, the Devils dropped below .500 and missed playoff qualification once more. In response, Lamoriello signed Soviet defensemen stars – Viacheslav Fetisov and Sergei Starikov. Although Fetisov had been drafted earlier, he was previously prevented from leaving the Soviet Union; shortly after acquiring him, New Jersey also signed his teammate Alexei Kasatonov.

Coaching shifts persisted: Schoenfeld was replaced by John Cunniff during the 1989–90 campaign; midseason in 1990–91 saw Tom McVie return to guide them through another division semifinal exit in 1991–92. Former U.S. Olympic coach Herb Brooks took over for 1992–93 but was dismissed following yet another early playoff departure; he was succeeded by former Montreal Canadiens bench boss Jacques Lemaire.

1993–2000: Establishing a Championship Legacy

Under the guidance of coach Jacques Lemaire, the Devils competed in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division during the 1993–94 season. The roster featured standout defensemen such as Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Ken Daneyko; forwards including Stephane Richer, John MacLean, Bobby Holik, and Claude Lemieux; along with goaltenders Chris Terreri and rookie Martin Brodeur, who was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy. The team netted 330 goals and set a franchise high with 106 points, finishing second behind the New York Rangers in their division. Their postseason journey ended in a seven-game conference final against the Rangers, losing in double overtime of game seven.

In the abbreviated 1994–95 season caused by a lockout, the Devils advanced once more to the conference finals. They triumphed over the Flyers and swept the favored Detroit Red Wings to capture their inaugural Stanley Cup. Claude Lemieux received the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs. Amid speculation about relocating to Nashville, New Jersey invested in arena upgrades to secure the franchise’s future locally. The Nashville Predators would later join the NHL as an expansion team three years afterward.

During the 1995–96 campaign, New Jersey narrowly missed playoff qualification by two points with a 37–33–12 record—the first instance in 26 years that a reigning champion failed to reach postseason play. Throughout the late 1990s, despite impressive regular-season performances including point totals of 104 in 1996–97 and 107 in 1997–98, the Devils struggled to progress far in playoff rounds. Lemaire stepped down in 1998 and was succeeded by assistant coach Robbie Ftorek. The following season concluded with a first-round conference playoff defeat to Pittsburgh.

Toward the end of the 1999–2000 season, general manager Lou Lamoriello replaced Ftorek with assistant Larry Robinson due to concerns over playoff outcomes. The team rebounded strongly, advancing to and winning the Stanley Cup Final against defending champions Dallas Stars for their second championship title. Core veterans Stevens, Holik, Niedermayer, Daneyko, and Brodeur were bolstered by newer key players including Patrik Elias, Petr Sykora, Jason Arnott, Alexander Mogilny, and Calder Trophy winner Scott Gomez. Notably, New Jersey overcame a 3–1 series deficit against Philadelphia in the conference finals en route to their title.

In 2000, ownership transferred from John McMullen to Puck Holdings—a group linked to YankeeNets—for $176 million. Although there were plans for Devils games to be broadcast on YES Network and for relocation to Newark under this ownership group, these initiatives did not come to fruition. Lamoriello assumed CEO responsibilities for both the Devils and NBA’s New Jersey Nets until their sale in 2004.

2001–2007: Third Stanley Cup and Lockout Era

Led offensively by the Elias-Arnott-Sykora line—dubbed "The A Line"—and goaltender Brodeur (who set an NHL record with 97 appearances that season), New Jersey secured their division title and led scoring in the Eastern Conference during 2000–01. However, they fell short in the Stanley Cup Final against Colorado after seven games. John Madden was honored with the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s premier defensive forward.

During the 2002–03 season, after trading Arnott and Sykora for Joe Nieuwendyk, Jamie Langenbrunner, and Jeff Friesen, New Jersey topped their division again with 108 points. They defeated Boston, Tampa Bay, and Ottawa before claiming their third Stanley Cup by overcoming Anaheim in a seven-game series. Following this triumph, longtime defenseman Ken Daneyko retired; Brodeur received his first Vezina Trophy as top goaltender.

Brodeur earned another Vezina Trophy in 2003–04 despite losing captain Scott Stevens mid-season due to a concussion. The Devils finished second in their division but were ousted by Philadelphia during playoffs. In March 2004, Jeff Vanderbeek purchased controlling interest from Puck Holdings but largely deferred operational control to Lamoriello.

Vanderbeek backed plans for a new arena in Newark; after overcoming legal obstacles and securing city council approval amid the early lockout period (2004–05), construction began in October 2005. Although financial concerns threatened progress early in 2006 and political scrutiny increased under Mayor Cory Booker later that year, an agreement was reached including concessions favorable to city officials. The Prudential Center officially opened at the start of the 2007–08 season.

The entire 2004–05 NHL season was canceled due to lockout; many Devils players competed overseas during this hiatus. Notably, Elias contracted hepatitis A while abroad. Post-lockout roster difficulties included losing Niedermayer via free agency and Stevens through retirement. Veteran acquisitions such as Dan McGillis and Alexander Mogilny had minimal impact.

The Devils encountered challenges early in 2005–06; Larry Robinson resigned as head coach mid-season with Lamoriello stepping back behind the bench. After Elias recovered from illness, New Jersey surged with an NHL-record eleven-game winning streak at season’s end to clinch their sixth division championship; Brian Gionta set a team record by scoring 48 goals that year. They swept New York Rangers during playoffs but were eliminated by Carolina in semifinals.

Claude Julien was appointed head coach for 2006–07 but was dismissed just prior to playoffs; Lamoriello resumed coaching duties once again. The Devils earned their seventh Atlantic Division crown but were defeated by Ottawa in conference semifinals—marking their final campaign at Continental Airlines Arena.

2007–2013: Transition to Newark and Stanley Cup Final Return

In October 2007, the Devils shifted to their new home at Newark’s Prudential Center and appointed Brent Sutter as head coach. Their first game in the new arena ended in a defeat against Ottawa. Although they secured home-ice advantage against the Rangers in the playoffs, they were decisively eliminated. During this period, Brodeur earned his fourth Vezina Trophy within five years.

The 2008–09 season saw the return of seasoned players Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik. Brodeur missed over three months due to injury, but backup Scott Clemmensen delivered solid performances. Brodeur surpassed Patrick Roy’s record for regular-season wins, while Patrik Elias became the franchise's all-time leading scorer. Zach Parise led the team offensively with career-best numbers. Despite these achievements, they were ousted by Carolina in a dramatic Game 7 playoff loss.

After citing personal reasons, Sutter resigned, leading to Jacques Lemaire's return as head coach in July 2009. In February 2010, the Devils acquired star winger Ilya Kovalchuk from Atlanta. That season marked their twelfth 100-point campaign in fifteen years; they topped the Atlantic Division but were eliminated early by Philadelphia in the playoffs.

Following Lemaire’s retirement after the 2010 season, John MacLean, a former leading scorer, took over as head coach but was replaced mid-season due to unsatisfactory results by Lemaire, who returned for a third coaching stint. During this time, captain Jamie Langenbrunner was traded. Despite offensive challenges caused by injuries—most notably to Parise—the team rallied late but ultimately missed the playoffs for the first time since 1996.

Peter DeBoer was appointed head coach for the 2011–12 season, implementing a system focused on offense and penalty killing effectiveness. Seven players surpassed 40 points that year, including Kovalchuk and Elias, who ranked among league leaders. Rookie Adam Henrique received a Calder Trophy nomination. The Devils advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2003 after winning the Eastern Conference but fell to the Los Angeles Kings.

Zach Parise departed for the Minnesota Wild after signing a lucrative contract; Bryce Salvador was named captain during the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season in which the Devils again missed the playoffs.

2013–present: Harris–Blitzer Ownership

Financial strain peaked during the 2012–13 season when owner Jeff Vanderbeek sought a $30 million loan from attorney Andrew Barroway before ultimately selling the franchise. In August 2013, Philadelphia 76ers owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer acquired the team for over $320 million.

That offseason witnessed Ilya Kovalchuk’s early retirement as he returned to Russia. Veteran Jaromir Jagr was signed to bolster scoring despite being 41 years old and led team scoring that year. Goaltender Cory Schneider was obtained through a draft-day trade from Vancouver but controversially shared net duties with Brodeur, who retired after the following season ending his tenure as NHL’s all-time wins leader.

Due to poor performance, Peter DeBoer was dismissed midway through the 2014–15 season; Lou Lamoriello assumed direct control with Scott Stevens and Adam Oates serving as interim co-coaches. The team finished well short of playoff qualification.

Ray Shero took over as general manager in May 2015 with John Hynes appointed head coach shortly thereafter. Shero’s significant acquisition was forward Kyle Palmieri, who became a key offensive player. Lamoriello resigned as president and moved on to manage the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Despite high-profile trades such as exchanging Adam Larsson for Taylor Hall—who won the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP while with New Jersey—the Devils missed playoffs for four consecutive seasons during the mid-2010s.

The franchise secured first overall draft selections twice within three years, choosing centers Nico Hischier (2017) and Jack Hughes (2019), both developing into foundational players alongside veterans like Dougie Hamilton acquired later.

Recent years have involved rebuilding efforts amid coaching changes including John Hynes’ mid-2019-20 dismissal replaced by Alain Nasreddine; Lindy Ruff was hired in July 2020 followed by Travis Green taking over as interim head coach during a difficult 2023-24 campaign that concluded without playoff qualification despite setting a franchise record for regular-season wins two years earlier under general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s leadership.

In February 2024 at MetLife Stadium—their first Meadowlands appearance since relocating—the Devils defeated the Philadelphia Flyers but closed out another disappointing season missing postseason play once more.