Greatest New Jersey Devils player of all time: 3. Scott Niedermayer
The Devils have three Hall of Famers who were known for their contributions to the New Jersey Devils first and foremost. The first is known as one of the best of all time when it comes to his best contribution. Scott Niedermayer could not be matched for his offense. If he was in today’s era, he’d be Cale Makar. That’s not conjecture; Niedermayer was insanely good.
He joined the Devils in 1992 after the Devils traded Tom Kurvers to get what became the third-overall pick. The Devils fell into one of the best trades ever. He was an immediate difference-maker. Niedermayer had 40 points in his very first season. He missed out on Calder votes because Teemu Selanne put up the most ridiculous rookie season ever, but that’s besides the point. Niedermayer arrived, and it allowed Scott Stevens to change his game to the legendary player we know today.
Niedermayer stayed consistent through the next few seasons, as he quickly became the biggest cheat code in the NHL. He was key in the Devils run-and-gun system. His speed and agility allowed him to get the puck more often, and he could handle it like a forward. The footwork was impeccable. His entire game was amazing.
Niedermayer won three Stanley Cups with the Devils before leaving to win a fourth with the Anaheim Ducks. His contributions were ahead of his time. The Devils still found a way to exercise his gifts to their fullest effect. His impact on the Devils is more than we can even explain.