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.
Jay Pandolfo was the 32nd Overall Pick in 1993, which occurred a year into his tenure at Boston University. The native of Winchester, Massachusetts, stayed with the Terriers for three more years, and as a senior, he was the Hockey East Player of the Year.