G, Martin Brodeur: 1994-2014
When you speak of all-time greats in the history of the Devils, one name comes to mind: Martin Brodeur.
No other player is synonymous as Mr. Devils himself.
For 20 years, he took his place on the ice, making save after miraculous save. There is no arguing that he was the key to the Devils success in their three Stanley Cup championship runs.
Brodeur was drafted 20th overall in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, by the Devils. After playing two years in the QMJHL, he made his debut against the Boston Bruins in an emergency backup role. Both of the team’s starting goaltenders were injured, Brodeur was tapped on the shoulder to help fill the void in net. After spending the 1992-1993 season with the Utica Devils of the AHL, he got second call up. This time it was on a permanent basis.
What followed was a Hall of Fame-worthy career:
– Calder Memorial Trophy (1994)- Best NHL Rookie
– Nine-time NHL All Star
– Vezina Trophy (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008)- Best NHL Goaltender
– William H. Jennings Trophy (1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2010)- Best Goals Against in the Regular Season
Among his NHL records, he is the NHL’s all-time leader in:
– Wins in Regular Season (691)
– Shutouts: Regular Season (125) and Playoffs (24)
– Overtime Wins (47)
– Career Saves (28,508)
Aside his three Stanley Cup rings, Brodeur has been a part of two Gold-medal teams, representing Canada in the 2002 and 2010 Olympic Games.
After retiring from hockey last season, Brodeur stayed with the St. Louis Blues as a special assistant to general manager Doug Armstrong. Later, he became the Blues assistant general manager after signing a three-year contract.
Needless to say, Brodeur has an impressive resume and has placed himself amongst the greats of his era, if not all of hockey.
I mean, if you caused a rule to change in the NHL with regards to handling of the puck, you know you are doing something right!
