Ranking Every New Jersey Devils 1st-Round Draft Pick Part 3: Success Stories
By Mike Luci
No. 5: Bill Guerin
Right Wing
5th Overall, 1989
Despite playing for eight organizations, Bill Guerin always had a key role on every team he’s played for over his 18-season career. Before getting into his back story, it’s worth mentioning that Guerin (current general manager of the Minnesota Wild) is responsible for recently buying out the player ranked ninth on this list—Zach Parise.
The New Jersey Devils drafted Guerin fifth overall in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, who played two years at Boston College before turning pro. Guerin made his NHL debut in 1992, scoring three goals in six postseason games. He quickly became a key asset in New Jersey’s lineup, helping them win their 1995 Stanley Cup championship. Guerin tallied 108 goals and 214 points in 380 games with the New Jersey Devils, where he scored 23+ goals three times and established himself as an effective power forward.
Guerin held out to start the 1997-1998 season over a contractual dispute, before eventually signing a three-year deal. Just 19 games into his campaign, Guerin and forward Valeri Zelepukin were traded to the Edmonton Oilers for center Jason Arnott and defenseman Bryan Muir. Guerin played some of his best hockey the following years, having back-to-back 40-goal seasons with the Oilers and Boston Bruins. Following his time in Boston, Guerin had stints with the Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, and New York Islanders, who dealt him to the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 2009 deadline. Guerin won his second Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh that year, where he spent one more season before ending his career.