The New Jersey Devils history is rich with transformation, resilience, and championship success. Since entering the New Jersey Devils NHL scene, the team has built a reputation for tough defense and legendary goaltending. Known for multiple Stanley Cup victories and intense rivalries, the Devils remain a defining force in professional hockey with a passionate fan base.
Established
1974
City
Kansas City – Denver – New Jersey
League History
1974 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1982 – Present / New Jersey Devils
1976 – 1982 / Colorado Rockies
1974 – 1976 / Kansas City Scouts
Nickname
Devils – The New Jersey Devils are among the most iconic National Hockey League (NHL) teams. With a long and storied history, they have become an integral part of hockey culture. But what is often overlooked is their unique nickname—the Devils. Where did this name come from?
It all began with then-owner Dr. John McMullen’s decision to move his team from Colorado to New Jersey in 1982. He wanted something that was both catchy and represented the state’s heritage, so he commissioned a contest for fans to submit ideas for possible nicknames for his new team. The winning entry came from Jim Dowd Sr., who suggested “Devils” as an homage to folklore about Dutch settlers who had referred to Native Americans living near present-day Newark as “devils."
New Jersey Devils Origin
This suggestion resonated with McMullen because it also tied into local legend surrounding Elizabethtown's infamous witch trials during colonial times in nearby Salem County, NJ; thus making it even more fitting given its proximity within state lines! In addition, many thought that "Devils" would be easier than other potential names like "Meadowlands" or "Skylanders," which were also considered at the time but ultimately rejected due to their lack of appeal among fans across America - especially since NHL franchises were still relatively new outside Canada back then!
To this day, no matter where you go around North America or beyond - people recognize and associate The New Jersey Devils instantly with their unique nickname: 'The Devls'. It has become synonymous with hockey fandom and prideful representation on behalf of those residing within Garden State borders - thanks mainly due Dr. Mcmullem's brilliant foresight when selecting such an appropriate moniker all those years ago!
Championship
Stanley Cups 3
2003, 2000, 1995
Arena
2007 – Present / Prudential Center
1982 – 2007 / Continental Airlines Arena
*Denver*
1976 – 1982 / McNichols Sports Arena
*Kansas City*
1974 – 1976 / Kemper Arena
Owner
2013 – Present / New Jersey Devils, LLC
2004 – 2013 / Jeffrey Vanderbeek
2000 – 2004 / YankeeNets
1982 – 2000 / John McMullen
1976 – 1982 / Jack Vickers
1974 – 1976 / Edwin G. Thompson
- 1980
- 1995
- 2000
- 2003
- 2007
-
Move to New Jersey
Prior to the 1978 – 1979 season, owner Jack Vickers sold the team to New Jersey trucking tycoon Arthur Imperatore, who announced that he wished to move the team to the New Jersey Meadowlands. The NHL vetoed the move since the Brendan Byrne Arena was still being built, and there was no suitable temporary facility in the area. In 1979, ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1995
The 1995 Stanley Cup Final NHL championship series was contested by the New Jersey Devils and the Detroit Red Wings. This was the first of nine consecutive finals with American-based franchises exclusively. New Jersey was making the franchise’s first-ever appearance in the Final, while Detroit returned to the Final for the first time since 1966. The Devils swept the series ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 2000
The 2000 Stanley Cup Finals were contested by the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Devils and the Western Conference champion Dallas Stars who were the defending Stanley Cup champion. The Devils were led by captain Scott Stevens, coach Larry Robinson, and goalie Martin Brodeur. The Stars were led by captain Derian Hatcher, coach Ken Hitchcock, and goalie Ed Belfour. -
Stanley Cup Winner 2003
The 2003 Stanley Cup Finals was a best-of-seven playoff series that determined the champion of the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 2002 – 2003 season. As a culmination of the 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs, the second-seeded Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Devils defeated the seventh-seeded Western Conference champion Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in seven games and were awarded the ... -
Prudential Center Opens
The Devils opened their new arena, the Prudential Center, on October 27, 2007, against the Ottawa Senators, after opening the season with a nine-game road trip. The game ended with a 4–1 win for Ottawa. Prudential Center (nicknamed The Rock) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the central business district of Newark, New Jersey, United States. The arena was designed ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
New Jersey Devils History
The New Jersey Devils history stands out as one of the most remarkable success stories in the New Jersey Devils NHL era. Founded in 1974, the franchise has captured three Stanley Cup championships and reached the playoffs 28 times. The New Jersey Devils NHL team has produced legendary players such as Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, and Patrik Elias, while building intense rivalries, including one with the New York Rangers, that fueled unforgettable matchups.
Originally known as the Kansas City Scouts during their 1974–75 NHL debut, the franchise relocated to Denver after only two seasons due to low attendance. It became the Colorado Rockies before moving to New Jersey in 1982–83, where fans selected the iconic “Devils” name in a public vote. Other names, like “Americans” and “Aces,” were considered but “Devils” became a defining brand in New Jersey Devils history and the broader New Jersey Devils NHL landscape.
Since relocating, the team has built a reputation for consistency and defensive excellence. Under coach Jacques Lemaire, the Devils experienced a golden era between 1995 and 2003. This period saw back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1995 and 2000, followed by another in 2003. Captain Scott Stevens and legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur anchored the team, with Brodeur’s record 953 wins making him a lasting symbol of success in New Jersey Devils history. Patrik Elias and Ken Daneyko also became franchise icons, spending over 15 years each in red and black. Fierce rivalries with the Washington Capitals and other teams sharpened the competitive edge of the New Jersey Devils NHL franchise.
Devils Achievements
The New Jersey Devils history includes multiple division championships, several Presidents’ Trophy-winning seasons, and one of the most dominant defensive systems in NHL history. They were among the first teams to perfect the neutral-zone trap, frustrating even the league’s most powerful offenses and setting a new standard for winning hockey.
More recently, the team has focused on rebuilding with top draft picks like Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, aiming to add a new chapter of success to the New Jersey Devils NHL record books. With a passionate fan base, an iconic brand, and a history filled with championships, the Devils remain one of the league’s most respected franchises and a cornerstone of professional hockey in New Jersey.
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Want to Meet the REAL Mount Rushmore of New Jersey Devils?
In our latest video, Want to Meet the REAL Mount Rushmore of New Jersey Devils? We deeply dive into the players who have defined the franchise's history and legacy. Join us as we discuss the top four legends whose contributions, skills, and impact on the ice have solidified their place in Devils lore.
Retired Number
3 / Ken Daneyko
4 / Scott Stevens
26 / Patrik Elias
27 / Scott Niedermayer
30 / Martin Brodeur
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history
