Ranking Every New Jersey Devils 1st-Round Draft Pick Part 2: Familiar Faces
By Mike Luci
Part one of our series featured names that were largely forgotten, unknown, or bitterly remembered by New Jersey Devils fans. Most were first-round busts that spent little time in the NHL, let alone New Jersey. Half of the dozen players previously mentioned were drafted between 2000 and 2014, a timeframe where (save three gems) every single first-round selection by the Devils failed to become an impactful NHL player.
It goes without saying the ramifications of that long dry spell are still being felt today.
These next 12 players may start out unfamiliar, but contain this list’s first Stanley Cup champion, and end with some widely-recognized names still playing with the team. While there aren’t any Hall of Famers among this next set of 12, a good number had commendable NHL careers and decent stints with the Devils that went beyond two or three seasons.
Some more interesting facts about the Devil’s first-round drafting history:
The Devils had eight top-five, and 12 top-10 picks in round one from 1982-2017
From 1982-2017, New Jersey picked more than once in round one on four occasions (1982, 1989, 1991, 1998), and had no first-round choice three times (2002, 2007, 2010)
They had back-to-back first-round picks in 1998 (26th, 27th overall)
The most-drafted player by position from 1982-2017 is a tie between defensemen and centers (10 each)
All-time (1982-2021), New Jersey made the most selections 18th overall (five), 20th overall (four), and never selected 9th, 14th-15th, 21st, or 31st-32nd overall