New Jersey Devils: The Legacy of Scott Gomez

After 16 seasons in the NHL, former New Jersey Devils center Scott Gomez has retired at the age of 36.

New Jersey Devils fans have had a rocky relationship with Scott Gomez. We loved him, then we hated him, then we sort of had to like him again. Let’s start with the “love” part of it.

Selected 27th overall in the 1998 draft by the Devils, Gomez became the first Mexican-American to play in the NHL, and just the 5th Alaskan when he joined the team as a rookie for the 1999-2000 season. He instantly proved his worth, scoring 19 goals and 51 assists and winning the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year. Oh yeah, the Devils also won the Stanley Cup that year. Not a bad first season as a pro, in fact…