NHL: The best captain in each team’s history (Updated 2023)

Best NHL captain from each franchise: New Jersey Devils – Scott Stevens

From 1992 to 2004, Scott Stevens led the New Jersey Devils to not one, not two, but three Stanley Cup championships. Another top defenseman, Stevens had a 22-year career and will mostly be known for what he achieved on the Devils. Whenever an opposing team faced Stevens and his Devils, they always brought that aggressive physicality in every matchup.

That’s what will ultimately define Stevens during his reign as captain since it helped create the overall identity of the Devils during their championship runs. One that was built on the foundation of being a top-notch defense capable of shutting down any team on its way toward victory. It’s funny since Stevens would often see tons of time serving penalty minutes due to how physical he was on the ice.

Stevens made sure that his players, whether on the ice or in the locker room, were focused on the task at hand. Hit hard, hold onto close leads, and make your defensive presence felt was the general mantra when it came to how Stevens handled duties as captain.

Stevens eventually made it into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the first year he was eligible to enter back in 2007. Fans will always remember his tenure with the Devils more than anything else even though he spent a few years with the Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues. Nothing will ever top what he was able to do on the Devils.