Introduction
Given the non-existent sports-world and the strong possibility of several bored sports fans, we thought we would try something different. Following the Athletics’ trend of ranking the best player to ever wear every number in the different sports, we thought we would take a crack at it with the Devils organization.
In the history of the New Jersey Devils – including the Colorado and Kansas City days – 760 individuals have donned the sweater. Out of numbers one through 99, only 74 different numbers have been worn. Below you can find the best player to wear each number utilized in the team’s history.
No. 1: Glenn “Chico” Resch (1981-1986)
A total of 14 players in Devils’ history have worn the jersey number one, and it has predominately been worn by goaltenders. This is evident by the likes of Sean Burke, Johan Hedberg, and most recently, Keith Kinkaid. However, the best of the group is former color announcer “Chico” Resch.
In four seasons – from 1981-1986 – he appeared in 198 games compiling a record of 49-113-20 and a .867 save parentage. Now keep in mind, not only was the NHL played differently, but Resch was also playing behind a dreadful team.
Honorable Mentions: Sean Burke, Johan Hedberg
No. 2: Viacheslav Fetisov (1990-1995)
The number two jersey number is a popular selection throughout time, as it’s been worn by 28 different players. Unlike the number one, this number has been worn predominately by defensemen.
Russian implant, Viacheslav Fetisov, joined the Devils organization in 1989 as a 31-year-old rookie. The defenseman, who spent six years with the Devils, appeared in 341 games before being moved to the Red Wings during the 1995-96 season.
Honorable Mentions: Marek Zidlicky
No. 3: Ken Daneyko (1984-2003)
Only nine players have ever worn the number three in Devils’ history. And given the history, this is readily apparent as to why. What is the first of the five easiest selection on this list is the sweater number three.
“Mr. Devil” had his jersey retired by the organization. This after playing a team record 1,283 games in the red and black and earning the most recognizable nickname in Devils’ history. Daneyko is easily one of the best Devils of all time.
No. 4: Scott Stevens (1992-2004)
Just like the previous number, this is also an extremely easy pick. The number four is one of five numbers permanently hanging in the Prudential Center’s rafters. The captain played 956 games in the red and black and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Not only is he the Devils’ best defenseman of all time, but one of the best defensemen to ever play in the NHL.
No. 5: Colin White (2000-2011)
The number five has been worn by 23 players in Devils’ history. Several only wore the number for a short time which narrowed down the list quickly to defensive defenseman Colin White. White played 11 of his 12 seasons with the Devils. He appeared in a total of 743 games, winning two Stanley Cups.
Honorable Mention: Adam Larsson
No. 6: Andy Greene (2007-2020)
The number six has been worn second most out of any number in Devils’ history. This decision was also an easy one, given the fact Andy Greene went from undrafted to playing a 13.5-year career with the red and black. The long career came to an end this season after the most recent captain was traded to the Islanders. However, he’ll easily be remembered in Devils’ history.
Honorable Mentions: Tommy Albelin
No. 7: Paul Martin (2004-2010)
The number seven has been worn by 24 players in Devils’ history. And much like the number five, was worn for very short amounts of time.
Paul Martin was drafted by the Devils in 2000 and spent six years with the organization. He played a ton of minutes in his time with New Jersey making him an easy choice for this slot.
Honorable Mentions: Randy Pierce
No. 8: Dainius Zubrus (2009-2015)
A total of 27 players have worn the number eight in Devils’ history. And a large number of them were subpar players.
Center Dainius Zubrus played 554 games for the Devils in his eight years with the team. He tallied 224 points in this time, serving as a solid mid-line forward. Out of an unimpressive list, Zubrus was the most deserving in this slot.
Honorable Mentions: Mike Peluso
No. 9: Zach Parise (2006-2012)
A total of 22 players have worn the number nine in Devils’ history. And ever since Zach Parise left the organization after the 2011-12 season, the number has seen extreme mediocrity — excluding most recently Taylor Hall. Examples being Bobby Butler, Harri Pesonen, and Martin Havlat.
This made it readily apparent that the decision was between Parise and Hall. Parise’s longer seven-year career, where he tallied 410 points in 502 games, a Stanley Cup appearance, and captainship ultimately outweighs the Hart Trophy Hall won.
Honorable Mentions: Taylor Hall
No. 10: Aaron Broten (1981-1990)
The number 10 was worn by 33 different players, which is the second-most worn sweater in Devils’ history. A large reason why is because it was not worn for long periods.
The longest-tenured number 10 in Devils’ history was Aaron Broten. He played 581 games for the Devils in the 1980s and is easily the person for this slot, given the scarce talent.
No. 11: John Madden
The likes of Brendan Shanahan and Stephen Gionta have worn the sweater number 11. However, the best Devil to wear this number played for the team for 10 years.
Over this time, John Madden won two Stanley Cups and tallied 41 points in 112 postseason games for the organization. Although there was some competition, Madden is the right choice.
Honorable Mentions: Brendan Shanahan, Rich Chernomaz
No. 12: Bill Guerin (1992-1998)
There were 25 players to wear the number 12 in team history. The most recent being Ben Lovejoy and Reid Boucher. However, the individual for this slot played for the Devils in the 1990s and won one Stanley Cup.
Bill Guerin played 380 games total, plus 56 playoff games. He is easily the correct player for this slot.
No. 13: Nico Hischier (2018-Present)
The number 13 is the most interesting number on this list. As many know, former general manager Lou Lamoriello did not allow his players to wear this number during his reign. Due to this, only three players (one pre-Lou and two post-Lou) have worn this number. Of these three — Nico Hischier, Mike Cammalleri, and Robin Burns – current-Devil Hischier edges them out.
Honorable Mention: Mike Cammalleri
No. 14: Brian Rolston (1995-2000)
Sweater number 14 was one of the harder to choose on this list. It came down to three players: Brian Rolston (who wore multiple numbers), Brian Gionta, and Adam Henrique. The bottom-line was production, and Rolston tallied the most points in his time with the Devils. Making him, the tough but correct choice for this slot.
Honorable Mentions: Brian Gionta, Adam Henrique
No. 15: John MacLean (1984-1998)
The number 15 slot came down to two former Devils, Jamie Langenbrunner and John McLean. Although Langenbrunner was a former captain, it was not much of a contest. “Johnny Mac” played 934 games with the organization tallying 701 points, which is second-most in the history of the organization.
Honorable Mention: Jamie Langenbrunner
No. 16: Bobby Holik (1993-2009)
Forward Bobby Holik played 11 seasons with the organization, appearing in 786 games. He also played in 124 playoff games, winning two Stanley Cups. Out of the 26 players that wore the number 16, this was by far the most. For this reason, Holik and his two cups are the correct choice.
No. 17: Petr Sykora (1995-2002)
The decision for the number 17 slot was between two forwards. Petr Sykora — who wore two different numbers with the organization — and Ilya Kovalchuk. Sykora ultimately edged the Russian due to his larger output, as well as cup victory in 2000. Factor in how Kovalchuk left the organization and Sykora is the correct selection.
Honorable Mention: Ilya Kovalchuk
No. 18: Sergei Brylin (1995-2008)
This was one of the easier decisions as many may argue the Devils should retire Sergei Brylin’s number 18. The current Binghamton (AHL) assistant coach played 765 career games with the Devils and was a member of all three Stanley Cup-winning teams. It’ll be interesting to see if Devils’ fans get their way and see his number get retired in the near future.
No. 19: Travis Zajac (2007-Present)
Center Travis Zajac has done a lot of good with the Devils in his 991 career games. He is near the top in several all-time team categories, specifically, he is third all-time in scoring. With one year left on his contract, it’ll be great to see Travis reach 1,000 games with the Devils. Maybe one day down the road they’ll lift his number 19 into the rafters.
Honorable Mention: Bob Carpenter
No. 20: Jay Pandolfo (1997-2010)
Interestingly enough, 20 players have worn the sweater number 20 in Devils’ history. The best being long-tenured forward Jay Pandolfo. He played 13 of his 15-year career in a Devils’ uniform appearing in 819 games. As a career bottom-of-the-lineup forward, Pandolfo did his job for a long time and in a solid manner.
Honorable Mention: Blake Coleman
No. 21: Randy McKay (1992-2002)
Like Pandolfo, forward Randy McKay was a long-tenured Devil. He played 11 seasons, spanning 760 games with the Devils, tallying 322 points. He was a member of two Stanley Cup-winning teams and for this, he gets the nod over current Devil Kyle Palmieri.
Honorable Mention: Kyle Palmieri
No. 22: Claude Lemieux (1991-1995, 2000)
Sweater number 22 is the most popular in Devils’ history, as it was worn by 34 different players. The most influential being Claude Lemieux.
The Canadian agitator played parts of six seasons with the organization, tallying 627 penalty minutes. He was also a part of two of the three Stanley Cup-winning teams. Out of the 34 number 22s, he is the most deserving of this slot.
Honorable Mention: Doug Sulliman
No. 23: Bruce Driver (1985-1995)
The number 23 was only worn by 15 different Devils, which included the likes of Bobby Farham, Dave Andreychuk, and Stefan Noesen. This slot was probably the hardest to choose, as it was between Bruce Driver and Scott Gomez.
Driver’s 12-year career spanning 702 games, coupled with decent offensive output for a defenseman gave him the edge of fellow Devil Scott Gomez. Driver also was a member of the 1995 Stanley Cup-winning team.
Honorable Mention: Scott Gomez, David Clarkson
No. 24: Bryce Salvador (2008-2015)
This slot was also close as it came down to defenseman, former captain Bryce Salvador and forward Doug Brown. Given Salvador’s captainship and appearance in the 2012 Stanley Cup, he slightly edges out Brown for this slot.
Honorable Mention: Doug Brown
No. 25: Jason Arnott (1998-2001, 2010)
The sweater number 25 was also a popular jersey, as 26 players have worn it in Devils’ history. Although a lot of players wore it, there were not a ton of great options. This made it for the 2000 Stanley Cup winner Jason Arnott, who centered the legendary A-Line, as the easy choice for this slot.
Honorable Mentiona: Valeri Zelepukin, Cam Janssen
No. 26: Patrik Elias (1998-2016)
The Devils’ best forward, franchise point leader, and potential Hockey Hall of Famer, is the third retired jersey on this list. Elias played his whole 20-year career with the red and black, tallying 1025 points in a legendary career. No one for the rest of time will ever wear the number 26 while playing for the Devils.
No. 27: Scott Niedermeyer (1992-2004)
The fourth of the five retired sweaters belong to defenseman Scott Niedermeyer. The offensive defenseman played 892 career games for the organization, tallying 476 points. To top it off, Niedermeyer was also a part of all three Stanley Cup-winning teams. Like his four other counterparts, no other player in the future will wear his jersey number while playing for the Devils’ organization.
No. 28: Brian Rafalski (2000-2007)
The number 28 has also been popular among Devil players, as it’s been worn 26 times. Two of the most recent dwellers — Anton Volchenkov and more likely Damon Severson — were considered. However, you cannot forget Brian Rafalski who wore the number for seven years from 2000-2007. Over this time, the offensive defenseman totaled 311 points in 541 games and won two Stanley Cups. He is well-deserving of this slot.
Honorable Mentions: Damon Severson, Anton Volchenkov
No. 29: Johnny Oduya (2007-2010)
Although worn 24 times, the number 29 is slightly slim of talent. Players such as Grant Marshall, Jan Ludvig, and Mackenzie Blackwood have all taken turns donning the number. Many also forget Devils’ legend Martin Brodeur wore the number for the 1992 season. However, this slot goes to a 12-year veteran and newly retired, Johnny Oduya.
Oduya played for the Devils from 2006-2009 and was a part of the Ilya Kovalchuk trade with the Atlanta Thrashers. He played in 273 games with the red and black after being a seventh-round selection by the Capitals. Check back in a year or two from now, and you’ll most likely see Mackenzie Blackwood’s name here.
Honorable Mentions: Jan Ludvig, Grant Marshall, Mackenzie Blackwood
No. 30: Martin Brodeur (1994-2014)
The last of the five retired sweaters is Martin Brodeur’s number 30. Not only is the soon-to-be Hockey Hall of Famer arguably the Devils’ best player of all-time. But he may be the best goalie in league history.
No. 31: Chris Terreri (1989-1996, 1998-2001)
Goaltender Chris Terreri played parts of 12 seasons with the Devils where he appeared in 302 games. He was also a part of the first Stanley Cup-winning team in 1995. The former Devils’ goaltending coach is an easy choice for this slot, especially given how scarce the other talent is that wore this number.
No. 32: Pat Conacher (1988-1992)
Only 15 players have worn the number 32 in Devils’ history. Names such as Glenn Merkosky, Nick Palmieri, and Mark Fraser have all worn this number for a short time. As you can see from this small list, there are not a lot of decent options to choose from.
The best of the bunch is 13-year, retired forward Pat Conacher. He played six seasons with the Devils, appearing in 193 games. Given he was the only player in Devils’ history to wear number 32 for some time, he is the choice for this slot.
No. 33: Zdeno Ciger (1991-1993)
This is where the choices for numbers start to get extremely slim. As you saw with 32, this continues with sweater number 33. Only four of the 14 players who wore this number wore it for more than one year. The most deserving of the four, Zdeno Cigar.
The young Ciger, at the time, played for the Devils from 1990-1993 and appeared in 92 games. He is someone many Devils’ fans may not be familiar with, but due to the slim pool that wore 33, he is the choice here.
Honorable Mentions: Reid Simpson, Alexander Urbom
No. 34: Janne Ojanen (1991-1993)
Like the number 33, only 14 players wore number 34. Only three wore the number for more than one year. One of which was forward Janne Ojanen who played with the Devils for parts of three seasons, appearing in a total of 98 games. He did wear other numbers with the team, but the number 34 was the one he wore the longest.
Honorable Mentions: Mark Fayne, Steven Santini
No. 35: Cory Schneider (2014-2020)
The number 35 has predominately been a goaltender’s number throughout the years. Overall, 10 players have worn the number in Devils’ history. The most notable being current Devil Cory Schneider. This is Cory’s sixth season with the club. This continuity is much greater than any other number 35 counterparts in team history.
Honorable Mention: Corey Schwab
No. 36: Nick Lappin (2017-2018)
Only three players wore the number 36 in team history. Former forward Nick Lappin wore the number from 2017-18, where he appeared in six games. This is more than Ben Street and Jim O’Brien, who also wore the number.
No. 37: Pavel Zacha: (2016-Present)
Besides current Devil Pavel Zacha, the only other Devil to wear number 37 is Eric Gelinas. Zacha – who has been a Devil for four seasons — is the easy choice between the two.
No. 38: Vernon Fiddler (2017)
Fourth liner Vern Fiddler played 39 games in a Devils uniform, this the most out of the four Devils who have ever worn the number 38.
No. 39: Brian Gibbons (2018)
Brian Gibbons took the Devils by storm after leading the team in goals at one point during the 2017-18 season. He gets the nod over former Devils Seth Helgeson and Kurtis Gabriel, who also wore this number in team history.
No. 40: Scott Clemmensen (2001-2007, 2014)
Seven Devils have worn the number 40 in team history. The most noteworthy being Martin Brodeur’s backup Scott Clemmensen. Over his six-years with the Devils, he appeared in 68 games contributing a solid .908 save percentage.
No. 41: Michael McLeod (2019-Present)
No. 42: Nathan Bastian (2019)
Each Nathan Bastian and John Quenneville wore the number 42 in Devils’ history. Bastian has been slightly more productive in his time with the team.
No. 43: Brett Seney (2019-2020)
Brett Seney edges out Ben Thomson and Dakota Mermis, who are the only others to wear the number 43 in team history.
No. 44: Stephane Richer (1992-2002)
Stephane Richer played six seasons with the Devils and was a part of the 1995 Stanley Cup-winning team. In 360 games, he contributed 283 points which are more than enough to give him this slot over current Devil Miles Wood.
Honorable Mention: Miles Wood
No. 45: Sami Vatanen (2018-2020)
Only Paul Thompson and Sami Vatanen have worn the number 45 in team history. Vatanen and his nearly three years of top-four defensive play is the easy choice here
No. 46: Mike Sislo (2016)
Mike Sislo gets the slight edge over Karl Stollery for this slot. These are the only two players to ever wear the number 46 in team history.
No. 47: Dalton Prout (2016-2017)
After coming over in a trade for Kyle Quincey in 2017, Dalton Prout played a bottom-pairing tough guy role for the Devils. He edges out John Quenneville and David Warsofsky for this slot.
No. 48: Tyler Kennedy (2016)
No. 49: Joey Anderson (2019)
No. 50: Evan Cormier (2020)
No. 51: Sergey Kalinin (2016-2017)
Best known for drawing a game misconduct on J.T. Miller for fighting with tape on his hand, Russian forward Sergey Kalinin played two seasons for the Devils. His 121 games and 19 points get the nod over Brandon Gignac, who briefly wore the number 51 just last season.
No. 53: Vojtech Mozik (2016)
No. 54: Tim Sestito (2012)
No. 55: Ken Appleby (2018)
No. 56: Blake Pietila (2016-2019)
No. 58: Kevin Rooney (2016-2019)
Current Devil Kevin Rooney wears number 16, but once wore number 58.
No. 59: Janne Kuokkanen (2020-Present)
No. 63: Jesper Bratt (2018-Present)
The former sixth-round pick is in his third season with the Devils, and is the first number 63 in team history. This season has been the most impressive out of the three for the 21-year old, as his defense has improved immensely.
No. 64: Joseph Blandisi (2016-2017)
No. 65: Gilles Senn (2020)
No. 68: Jaromir Jagr (2014-2015)
Hockey legend Jaromir Jagr played parts of two seasons with the Devils. The only other Devil to don the number 68 in organization history is Colton White.
No. 70: Louis Domingue (2020)
No. 74: Egor Yakovlev (2019)
Defenseman Egor Yakovlev only played one partial season for the Devils. However, he was more productive than only other the fellow number 74 in team history Blake Speers.
Honorable Mention: Blake Speers
No. 76: P.K. Subban (2020-Present)
No. 86: Jack Hughes (2020-Present)
Rookie forward Jack Hughes is the first player to ever wear the number 86 in Devils’ history. Although, he experienced struggles in an unorthodox first year in the league. Number 86 should be relied on as a core piece on this team.
No. 88: Garry Howatt
Only two players wore the number 88 in Devils’ history. Gary Howatt played 38 games for the Devils in 1982-83, while Rocky Trottier wore it for five games in the 1983-84 season. Due to the more games played, Howatt gets this slot.
Honorable Mention: Rocky Trottier
No. 89: Alexander Mogilny (2000-2006)
The Russian forward was the only Devil to wear the number 89 and spent parts of three seasons with New Jersey. He won the Stanley Cup with the club in 2000.
No. 90: Marcus Johansson (2018-2019)
Former Devils’ forward Marcus Johansson is one of two Devils to wear the number 90. He edges out current Devil Jesper Boqvist for this slot.
Honorable Mention: Jesper Boqvist
No. 93: Doug Gilmour (1997-1998)
Hockey Hall of Famer Doug Gilmour was the only Devil to wear the number 97. He wore it for parts of two seasons with the club.
No. 97: Nikita Gusev (2020-Present)
The “Goose” is in his first season with the red and black. The first number 97 in Devils’ history had lofty expectations when he came over from Russia’s top league. And by his production in the shortened season, I’d say he has matched/exceeded them.
** Jersey data taken from hockeyreference.com **
** Headings in italics designate numbers that have only been worn once **