Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

5 New Jersey Devils Legends Who Would Dominate Today’s NHL

By Jonathan Bailey

20 Nov 1997: John Maclean #15 of the New Jersey Devils in action against Bryan McCabe #4 of the New York Islanders during a game at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Islanders 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport
20 Nov 1997: John Maclean #15 of the New Jersey Devils in action against Bryan McCabe #4 of the New York Islanders during a game at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Islanders 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Bobby Holik celebrates a goal in his second stint as a New Jersey Devil. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Bobby Holik celebrates a goal in his second stint as a New Jersey Devil. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The only member of this list not to begin his NHL playing career with the New Jersey Devils, Bobby Holik was drafted 10th overall by the Hartford Whalers in 1989 but made his name in Red and Black. Holik helped form the formidable, physically imposing ‘Crash’ line alongside wingers Mike Peluso and Randy McKay.

The Hartford Whalers traded Bobby Holik to the New Jersey Devils after just two years in the league, and the 6’4″ 240-pound Czech behemoth quickly became a fan favorite. His massive hits and physical style endeared him to the Devils’ faithful, but Holik was an underrated goal scorer for a big, tall grinder.

Over his 18-year NHL career, Bobby Holik scored 20 or more goals nine times. Six of those times were with the New Jersey Devils, two were with the Hartford Whalers, and the remaining one came with the New York Rangers. Impressively, two of those seasons with the New Jersey Devils saw Holik pot 20 or more goals just at even-strength.

Bobby Holik was an asset for the New Jersey Devils in all areas of the ice. He did the nasty work behind the net and along the boards, got to the net to finish off plays, and played excellent defense. Holik received Selke votes seven times in his career and finished as high as fifth in Selke voting in 1998. In that same season, Holik finished 20th in Hart voting, as he received one fifth-place vote. For reference, Steve Yzerman earned two fifth-place votes that year and Niklas Lidstrom earned two fourth-place votes and one fifth-place vote. Even as a grinder, Holik was immensely valuable to the New Jersey Devils.

Bobby Holik retired as a two-time Stanley Cup Champion, both with the Devils. Although he wasn’t the most skilled player in the world, Holik is 10th all-time on the New Jersey Devils in games played (786), third in goals (202, tied with Travis Zajac), 10th in assists (270), seventh in points (472), third in even-strength goals (158), third in game-winning goals (43), and tied for sixth in hat-tricks (3).

In all, a very productive career for Bobby Holik, who became a New Jersey Devils legend and a cult hero and proved that success comes in all different (large) shapes and sizes. He also proved that success sometimes unexpectedly and painfully rams you into the glass. If you think the Tkachuk brothers are a pain to play against in today’s NHL, you would hate Bobby Holik.

Home/Editorials