Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils: 3 Greatest September Moves in Franchise History

By Luke Garrison

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - APRIL 17: Scott Stevens #4 of the New Jersey Devils shoots against the Boston Bruins during game five of the first round of the 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 17, 2003 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils won the game 3-0 and the series 4-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/NHLI)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - APRIL 17: Scott Stevens #4 of the New Jersey Devils shoots against the Boston Bruins during game five of the first round of the 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 17, 2003 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils won the game 3-0 and the series 4-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/NHLI) /
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New Jersey Devils
Defenseman Scott Stevens #4 of the New Jersey Devils (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

September 3, 1991- Devils awarded Scott Stevens.

It’s hard to believe that one of the best Devils players of all time came to the team in September before the 1991-92 season. The Devils were looking to add a hard hitter to their roster, and Lou fought to get him. It was one of the greatest moves of Lou Lamoriello’s career, getting Stevens as compensation for Brendan Shanahan. It might have been even more impressive he got Stevens to sign on the dotted line to show up.

On September 3, 1991, the history of Scott Stevens in New Jersey began. In Steven’s first year in a Devils uniform, he managed 59 points which led the team in scoring from a defenseman. However, in the 1993-94 season, he decided to branch out and had a 78-point season, which led the team.

While Steven’s scoring numbers declined slightly in the rest of his career, he contributed differently. Stevens would use his body to hit players who attempted to take the puck away from the Devils whenever they had it. Stevens would also create hits to stop other teams from creating chances themselves. This style would become what many people remember about Stevens over his career. Each cup runs the Devils went on and won on had a memorable hit by Stevens. These hits included Vyacheslav Kozlov’s hit in 1995, the Eric Lindros hit in 2000, or the Paul Kariya hit in 2003. Stevens retired after the 2003-04 season, and the Devils had a banner raising ceremony in 2006. Stevens is undoubtedly a Devil’s legend, and you must thank Lou for taking a chance on him in September of 1991.

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