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Definitive New Jersey Devils Mount Rushmore Of Forwards

By Dave Browne

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 06: Patrik Elias #26 of the New Jersey Devils waits for a faceoff in an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers at Prudential Center on December 6, 2015 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 06: Patrik Elias #26 of the New Jersey Devils waits for a faceoff in an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers at Prudential Center on December 6, 2015 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils – John MacLean (Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport)
New Jersey Devils – John MacLean (Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport) /

John MacLean

Before there was Patrik Elias, John MacLean was the franchises all-time leading scorer. He still possesses the second most goals (347) and points (701) in franchise history. To put his numbers into context, he has 145 more goals and 169 more points than the next players on the list in those respective categories.

MacLean scored one of the most important goals in franchise history that clinched their first every playoff berth in 1988. MacLean is also the only Devil to record three 40 goal seasons with the club. MacLean helped transcend the Devils from a hapless organization into Stanley Cup champions. Some fans may have a case of recency bias that saw MacLean force his way out of New Jersey with his trade demand and his head coaching tenure was nothing short of a disaster. Let’s remember MacLean for all the good he brought to the franchise as the first player enshrined in the team’s Ring of Honor.

Honorable Mentions

Honorable mention goes to Pat Verbeek and Travis Zajac. Verbeek was a feisty, goal scoring machine from the mid-late 80’s who held the Devils’ single season goal mark for almost 20 seasons before Brian Gionta broke the record in 2006. Who knows what Devils records he would hold had he not been traded because of a contract dispute with the club. His 170 goals with the club ranks 7th of all time. He finished his career with 522 goals and amassed over 1000 points.

Travis Zajac is climbing up the offensive ranks in franchise history. While impressive, Zajac is probably the least skilled player listed in the article. However, what proves invaluable is his durabilty, dedication to the club and his flexibility. He could play on the first or second line and provide a scoring touch, or play the tough minutes on the checking line against other teams’ top players. He is a prolific penalty killer and is a respected player within the organization. If not for his goal that forced a game 7 against the Florida Panthers in the quarterfinals, the team would not have gone on to their 5th Stanley Cup Finals appearance.

Next. Devils 5 Worst Free Agent Signings Of All Time. dark

Patrik Elias, John MacLean, Kirk Muller and Claude Lemieux all played a big part of the franchises success. Some may not have been the longest tenured players, but their impact will continue to be felt. How do you all feel about the Mount Rushmore of Devils Forwards? Is there anyone you would add to the list?

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