Devils' Defensemen: Champions & Legends

0:00Welcome to NHL News Today. Two minutes of updates that matter to NHL fans, hit subscribe and stay connected. The New Jersey Devils won three Stanley Cups between 1995 and 2003, and their defense men were key to that success. Players like Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermeyer, and Ken D'Nico stood out as the backbone of those championship teams. Stevens capped in the squad for 12 seasons, leading in plus-minus ratings and delivering bone crushing hits. Niedermeyer top franchise records for defense men in goals, assists, and points, earning a Norse trophy in 2004. Several others earned honorable mentions for their grit and reliability. Tommy Abelin won two Cups with the Devils before and after a Stin elsewhere. Colin White contributed to the 2000 and 2003 titles as a shutdown specialist. Bruce Driver tallyed nearly 400 regular season points and played on the first Cup team. Paul Martin set records for ice time, averaging over 23 minutes per game.

1:00Fans still revered these players for embodying the Devils' tough, defense-first style, under coaches like Jacques Lamar and Larry Robinson. Guys like D'Nico, who played over 1,200 games all with New Jersey, became symbols of loyalty and heart. They turned a relocated expansion team from tough early years into NHL contenders, overcoming doubters who called them underdogs. Brian Rafalski made the top 5 at number 4, thriving after overseas stints and pairing with Stevens for two Cups. He led playoffs in powerplay production before heading home to Detroit. Andy Green rounded out the list at 5, hitting career highs and reaching the final in 2012, later traded to the Islanders. These blue liners left a lasting legacy, with numbers retired for Stevens, Niedermeyer, and D'Nico. Their impact shaped a franchise and influenced future Devils' defenses, proving toughness and skill win championships. The Daily News Now is powered by a sponsor. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels, built for listening and bed, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com.