New Jersey Devils: Five Worst Lou Lamoriello Re-Acquisitions

2: Jason Arnott

Jason Arnott is a staple in Devils’ history. His Stanley Cup-winning goal in 2000 against the Dallas Stars is constantly highlighted. When thinking about the Devils’ golden age, that goal is probably one of the first things people think of. Arnott was acquired from Edmonton in the 1997-98 season. Arnott would famously play for the Devils until he was traded to the Dallas Stars at the 2002 trade deadline.

Arnott would then play for the Stars and Nashville Predators, even becoming the Predators’ captain at one point. He would have a solid career after leaving New Jersey, but the signs of aging were starting to show at the end of his Predators tenure. His point totals would decline for three straight seasons, but for some reason, Lamoriello would want to get the band back together once again.

Lamoriello traded for Arnott during the 2010 offseason, trading away young player Matt Halischuk and a 2011 second-round pick. A steep price to pay for a 35-year-old declining center. Trying to regain magic from Arnott did not work. Arnott had 24 points in 62 games for the uncharacteristically struggling Devils. For the first time since 1996, before Arnott was on the Devils the first time, they would miss the playoffs.

The Devils then found themselves in a spot they were rarely in. They were sellers at the trade deadline. Lamoriello would send Arnott to the Washington Capitals for a second-round pick and David Steckel. Steckel did not last long with the Devils, and the second round pick was flipped to Minnesota for Marek Zidlicky the next season.