A New Decade Of Hope Emerges For New Jersey Devils

The tumultuous decade of the New Jersey Devils is finally over. The 2010s decade itself has left Devils fans in a ‘glass case of emotion’, famously said by Ron Burgundy in the film ‘Anchorman.’ There were some highs, highlighted by an unheralded run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012, acquiring elite scorers in Ilya Kovalchuk and Taylor Hall for pennies on the dollar, and celebrating the careers of Devils legends Martin Brodeur, Patrik Elias and Scott Niedermayer in emotional jersey retirement ceremonies. However, there were far too many lows that saw the Devils spiral into mediocrity and recently unwatchable hockey for many Devils fans.

The Devils became the NHL’s model franchise for two decades in the 1990’s and 2000’s by winning three Stanley Cup Championships. Glance up into the Prudential Center rafters for proof of all the success the team has had. The Devils had a formula for success, even if it meant that their style of play was perceived as ‘boring’ by many, or playing second fiddle to the team playing across the Hudson River.

What worked for the Devils in their era of dominance did not translate into success this decade. Back then,the Devils were able to maintain and keep their core throughout their primes (Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, Patrik Elias), build a team through the draft, and off set players leaving via free agency with their own home grown players. This decade’s Devils have struggled to keep their core, particularly following the departure of both Zach Parise to free agency and Ilya Kovalchuk abruptly ‘retiring.’ The Devils have also struggled to build a prominent core through the draft (pre Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes) and have used free agency to fill gaping holes on the roster through poor drafting. Lou Lamoriello, the man responsible for the rise of the New Jersey Devils throughout its prominence, was just as responsible for the downfall.

The Devils would ultimately go into a new direction with the hiring of current general manager Ray Shero. A new vision was needed at the expense of a man that Devils fans will forever be indebted. Lamoriello was delegated to team president, but soon thereafter filled the Toronto Maple Leafs vacated general manager position. Shero, was given the task of rebuilding a team that was old, slow and devoid of legitimate talent.

The team has gotten younger and faster since his hire, and if you had asked fans prior to the 2019 season, they would have said that he was a savior. As we all know, the team has underachieved and later traded a player in Taylor Hall that many thought would be the cornerstone of the team’s plans for 2020 and beyond. Some fans have cooled on Shero, but his job is far from complete.

With the New Year and decade upon us, many people reflect, make resolutions and look forward to change. The New Jersey Devils are no different. The organization could reflect on what has or hasn’t worked, and what changes need to be made to make this once proud team prominent again. The Devils have two premier pieces to work with in the foreseeable future in centers Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, young assets in the organization in Jesper Boqvist, Jesper Bratt and Ty Smith and a potential top-five lottery draft pick in the upcoming NHL draft. The Devils are in a lot better shape than they were at this time five years ago. If a franchise that was once touted as a ‘Mickey Mouse Organization’ by the game’s best player could win multiple championships, then anything is possible. Sometimes you need to go through the difficult times to truly appreciate the good times when they come. Hopefully the new decade brings health, happiness and prosperity to all Devils fans and the team. Happy New Year!