The NHL brain trusts had not yet become comfortable drafting Russian players, though 1990 was arguably the last season when the GMs would be gun-shy. In this draft, the New Jersey Devils had an absolute steal in the 11th Round in Left Wing Valeri Zelepukin.
In 1983, the New Jersey Devils used their 12th Round Pick, a throwaway on Soviet Defenseman Alexei Kasatonov. There wasn't much hope that they would ever get him, but you never knew. In 1990, after three Olympics and 12 seasons with the Red Army, Kasatonov arrived in New Jersey.
The Hall of Fame pro career of Brendan Shanahan began in New Jersey, where the Left Wing was taken Second Overall behind Pierre Turgeon in the 1987 Draft.
Damon Severson played his first nine seasons with the New Jersey Devils, where his size and booming shot proved to be an asset for the team.