What If New Jersey Devils Kept Scott Niedermayer After NHL Lockout?

Scott Niedermayer of the New Jersey Devils. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New Jersey Devils were a team in transition when the NHL Lockout hit in 2004. After winning three of the previous ten Stanley Cups, the core of the team was breaking up. The defense that was leading the team to new heights was completely different. Ken Daneyko was retired. Scott Stevens ended up retiring after the lockout. He missed the majority of the season prior with head injuries. The Devils had quite a few major free agents to focus on, and Lou Lamoriello now had a salary cap to deal with.

Here is what was on New Jersey’s plate after the lockout ended:

Unrestricted Free agents-Scott Stevens (eventually…