There was a lot going on yesterday with the New Jersey Devils. Naturally, some events were quickly overshadowed by others, namely when former captain Andy Greene was traded to the New York Islanders for a 2021 2nd-round pick and AHL defenseman David Quenneville. The Greene trade hasn’t gotten as much attention after yesterday’s subsequent—and much more polarizing—deal, when fan favorite Blake Coleman was shipped to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Now that the dust has settled, it’s a good time for New Jersey Devils fans to celebrate and reflect on the 14 seasons Andy Greene spent with the organization. He was an undrafted free agent then-General Manager Lou Lamoriello—currently General Manager of the Islanders—took a chance on, after Greene played four seasons at Miami (Ohio) University. He earned a roster spot in training camp during his first few seasons in New Jersey, whose simple defensive playing style went largely underappreciated by fans until the latter-half of his time with the organization.
It made absolute sense why he was named the team’s next captain following Bryce Salvador’s retirement. He signed a five-year extension the previous summer, while being with the organization long enough to appreciate and exemplify its core philosophies and values. Greene’s long-term commitment was a testament to his loyalty. With New Jersey trending downward in recent years, he could have opted to walk as an unrestricted free agent and sign with one of the league’s top contenders, but was committed to being part of the solution with the team he’s played for his entire career.
You don’t see that type of loyalty in the NHL anymore, especially among struggling organizations like the New Jersey Devils.
At that time, Greene signified the Devil’s past, present, and future. He would become one of the remaining relics dating back to New Jersey’s years as perpetual playoff contenders, and second-to-last player remaining from their 2012 Stanley Cup Finals run (Travis Zajac being the other). Even during these down years, Greene served as a constant reminder of the greatness this organization once forged. Those recollections were enough for some fans to put their doubts about this team’s future aside and what it means to be a fan in perspective.
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Greene wasn’t a flashy player, but exhibited the utmost efficiency in his own zone, unparalleled shot-blocking abilities, and—despite his advancing age—the ability to deal with an astronomical workload. You couldn’t have asked for more in a captain that led so well by example. He was a quintessential role model the Devil’s influx of young players looked up to over these last five seasons.
After everything Andy Greene gave to the New Jersey Devils, it’s time for the 37-year-old veteran to pursue what every NHL player covets—a Stanley Cup. This trade to the New York Islanders does just that for Greene, who has a chance to play his second playoffs in three years on a team where he fits perfectly. Greene’s time in New Jersey certainly won’t be forgotten, and the consensus of fans are elated to see him move onto bigger and better endeavors.
After 14 seasons of loyalty, sacrifice, and determination, New Jersey Devils fans wish Andy Greene nothing but the best of luck in his pursuit to get his name etched on the Stanley Cup, and simply have to say thank you.