2004–05 New Jersey Devils season

The 2004–05 New Jersey Devils season was the 31st season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 11, 1974, and 23rd season since the franchise relocated from Colorado prior to the 1982–83 NHL season.[1] However, the 2004–05 NHL lockout prevented the season's games from occurring.

2004–05 New Jersey Devils
DivisionAtlantic
ConferenceEastern
2004–05 recordDid not play
Team information
General managerLou Lamoriello
CoachPat Burns
CaptainScott Stevens
ArenaContinental Airlines Arena
Minor league affiliate(s)Albany River Rats

NHL lockout

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Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello sat on the negotiating committee for the league, although he had little to say early on in the proceedings.[2] However, he was invited to a January meeting by the players' union in an attempt to breach sides; Lamoriello was invited because of the respect for the manner in which he ran the Devils organization.[3] That meeting was ultimately unfruitful, although it did lead to further talks between the players and the owners.[3] As late as February 2005, Lamoriello showed hope the season could be salvaged.[4]

They're trying to do everything humanly possible to try to get the game back on the ice... If there is reason to believe that there is hope and a chance, then I think you use that time. We have to have some patience.

He later added:[5]

Maybe I'm from the old school. But I believe we should lock ourselves in a room and not come out until we've made a deal – or announced that we can't. I've said all along, until someone tells me it's over, it's not. It's too easy to be negative. There's no question we have something scheduled at this point for (tomorrow) Wednesday. It's looking very bleak right now. But it's not over.

Lamoriello praised the final decision, saying it put everyone on "level footing" and created more parity in the league.[6]

Meanwhile, during the stoppage Devils' center Scott Gomez went home to Anchorage, Alaska, to play for the Alaska Aces of the ECHL. He went on to lead the league in scoring, netting 86 points in only 68 games, en route to winning the league's Most Valuable Player award.

Schedule

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The Devils regular season schedule was announced on July 14, 2004.[7] Their preseason schedule was announced on July 19, 2004.[8]

2004–05 schedule[9]
Preseason
Game Date Opponent
1 September 28 New York Rangers
2 September 30 @ New York Rangers
3 October 1 @ New York Islanders
4 October 6 @ Philadelphia Flyers
5 October 8 New York Islanders
6 October 9 Philadelphia Flyers
Regular season
Game Date Opponent
1 October 15 Toronto Maple Leafs
2 October 16 @ Buffalo Sabres
3 October 20 New York Islanders
4 October 23 Detroit Red Wings
5 October 26 @ New York Islanders
6 October 29 St. Louis Blues
7 October 30 @ Ottawa Senators
8 November 2 @ Philadelphia Flyers
9 November 3 @ Washington Capitals
10 November 6 Tampa Bay Lightning
11 November 8 @ Atlanta Thrashers
12 November 10 Nashville Predators
13 November 12 Dallas Stars
14 November 13 @ Washington Capitals
15 November 16 Ottawa Senators
16 November 18 Toronto Maple Leafs
17 November 20 Pittsburgh Penguins
18 November 22 @ Pittsburgh Penguins
19 November 24 @ Florida Panthers
20 November 26 @ Tampa Bay Lightning
21 November 27 Atlanta Thrashers
22 December 1 New York Rangers
23 December 3 Montreal Canadiens
24 December 4 @ New York Rangers
25 December 7 Buffalo Sabres
26 December 9 @ Minnesota Wild
27 December 11 New York Rangers
28 December 12 @ Chicago Blackhawks
29 December 15 Tampa Bay Lightning
30 December 17 Montreal Canadiens
31 December 18 @ Montreal Canadiens
32 December 21 @ Carolina Hurricanes
33 December 23 New York Islanders
34 December 27 @ Florida Panthers
35 December 29 @ Tampa Bay Lightning
36 December 31 Anaheim Mighty Ducks
37 January 4 Atlanta Thrashers
38 January 6 @ New York Islanders
39 January 8 @ Toronto Maple Leafs
40 January 10 Minnesota Wild
41 January 12 Colorado Avalanche
42 January 14 Boston Bruins
43 January 15 @ Boston Bruins
44 January 18 Philadelphia Flyers
45 January 20 @ New York Rangers
46 January 22 Carolina Hurricanes
47 January 25 @ Vancouver Canucks
48 January 28 @ Edmonton Oilers
49 January 29 @ Calgary Flames
50 February 2 Los Angeles Kings
51 February 3 @ Buffalo Sabres
52 February 5 @ Philadelphia Flyers
53 February 8 Florida Panthers
54 February 10 New York Rangers
55 February 15 Pittsburgh Penguins
56 February 17 @ Philadelphia Flyers
57 February 19 Carolina Hurricanes
58 February 20 @ Nashville Predators
59 February 23 @ Detroit Red Wings
60 February 24 @ Toronto Maple Leafs
61 February 26 New York Islanders
62 February 28 Columbus Blue Jackets
63 March 2 Boston Bruins
64 March 4 Washington Capitals
65 March 5 @ Ottawa Senators
66 March 7 Philadelphia Flyers
67 March 10 @ San Jose Sharks
68 March 12 @ Phoenix Coyotes
69 March 16 @ New York Rangers
70 March 17 Atlanta Thrashers
71 March 19 Philadelphia Flyers
72 March 21 Buffalo Sabres
73 March 24 @ Pittsburgh Penguins
74 March 26 @ New York Islanders
75 March 27 Pittsburgh Penguins
76 March 29 Ottawa Senators
77 March 31 @ Carolina Hurricanes
78 April 2 @ Boston Bruins
79 April 4 @ Montreal Canadiens
80 April 6 Florida Panthers
81 April 8 @ Pittsburgh Penguins
82 April 9 Washington Capitals

Transactions

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The Devils were involved in the following transactions from June 8, 2004, the day after the deciding game of the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals, through February 16, 2005, the day the 2004–05 season was officially cancelled.[10]

Trades

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Date Details Ref
June 26, 2004 (2004-06-26) To New Jersey Devils
  • 1st-round pick in 2004
To Dallas Stars
  • 1st-round pick in 2004
  • 3rd-round pick in 2004
[11]

Players acquired

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Date Player Former team Term Via Ref
July 3, 2004 (2004-07-03) Darren Langdon Montreal Canadiens 2-year Free agency [12][13]
July 12, 2004 (2004-07-12) Richard Matvichuk Dallas Stars 4-year Free agency [14][15]
July 15, 2004 (2004-07-15) Krzysztof Oliwa Calgary Flames Free agency [16]
August 13, 2004 (2004-08-13) Bobby Allen Edmonton Oilers Free agency [17]
Pascal Rheaume St. Louis Blues Free agency [17]
Ray Schultz Nashville Predators Free agency [17]
Steven Spencer South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL) Free agency [17]

Players lost

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Date Player New team Via[a] Ref
July 1, 2004 (2004-07-01) Greg Crozier[b] Contract expiration (VI) [18]
Joe Hulbig[c] Contract expiration (VI) [18]
Corey Schwab[d] Contract expiration (III) [18]
July 3, 2004 (2004-07-03) Turner Stevenson Philadelphia Flyers Free agency (III) [23]
July 7, 2004 (2004-07-07) Raymond Giroux Minnesota Wild Free agency (VI) [24]
July 19, 2004 (2004-07-19) Craig Darby Tampa Bay Lightning Free agency (UFA) [25]
July 28, 2004 (2004-07-28) Maxim Balmochnykh HC Lipetsk (RUS-2) Free agency (VI) [26]
July 29, 2004 (2004-07-29) Tommy Albelin Retirement (III) [27]
August 9, 2004 (2004-08-09) Steve Kariya Ilves (Liiga) Free agency (VI) [28]
September 2004 (2004-09) Mike Matteucci Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) Free agency (VI) [29]
September 28, 2004 (2004-09-28) Chris Hartsburg Colorado Eagles (CHL) Free agency (UFA) [30]

Signings

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Date Player Term Contract type Ref
June 29, 2004 (2004-06-29) Ivan Khomutov Entry-level [31]
July 1, 2004 (2004-07-01) John Madden 5-year Re-signing [32][13]
Jay Pandolfo 4-year Re-signing [32][13]
July 7, 2004 (2004-07-07) Grant Marshall multi-year Re-signing [33]
July 8, 2004 (2004-07-08) Jeff Friesen 1-year Re-signing [13]
July 15, 2004 (2004-07-15) Viktor Kozlov 1-year Re-signing [34]
August 10, 2004 (2004-08-10) Scott Gomez 1-year Arbitration award [35]
August 12, 2004 (2004-08-12) Brian Rafalski 1-year Re-signing [15]
August 13, 2004 (2004-08-13) Ari Ahonen Re-signing [17]
Scott Clemmensen Re-signing [17]
Brett Clouthier Re-signing [17]
Ryan Murphy Re-signing [17]
Scott Niedermayer 1-year Arbitration award [15]
August 19, 2004 (2004-08-19) Sergei Brylin multi-year Re-signing [36]

Draft picks

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The Devils' draft picks at the 2004 NHL entry draft in Raleigh, North Carolina.[37]

Rd # Pick # Player Nat Pos Team (League) Notes
1 20 Travis Zajac   Canada C Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) [e]
2 57 No second-round pick [f]
3 88 No third-round pick [e]
4 121 No fourth-round pick [g]
5 155 Alexander Mikhailishin   Russia D Spartak St. Petersburg (Vysshaya Liga)
6 185 Josh Disher   Canada G Erie Otters (OHL)
7 216 Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond   Canada RW Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) [h]
7 217 Tyler Eckford   Canada D Surrey Eagles (BCHL)
8 250 Nathan Perkovich   United States RW Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
9 282 Valeri Klimov   Russia D Spartak St. Petersburg (Vysshaya Liga)

Farm teams

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The Albany River Rats, the Devils' American Hockey League affiliate, finished in last place in their division during the 2004–05 AHL season, and failed to make the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Veteran Dean McAmmond led the team in scoring with 61 points, while right on his heels was hot rookie Zach Parise with 58. Meanwhile, goaltenders Scott Clemmensen and Ari Ahonen split the load evenly, although Ahonen had more wins in fewer games played. Parise and Clemmensen would go on to make the Devils' squad full-time the following season.

Notes

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  1. ^ In parentheses is the player's free agency group on July 1 if applicable.[18]
  2. ^ Crozier retired.[19]
  3. ^ Hulbig retired.[20]
  4. ^ Schwab was inactive during the 2004–05 season and retired on August 10, 2005.[21][22]
  5. ^ a b The Devils acquired the 2004 first-round pick from Dallas in exchange for the Devils' 2004 first-round pick (later transferred to San Jose and used on Lukas Kaspar) and the 2004 third-round pick (later transferred to Washington and used on Clayton Barthel) on June 26, 2004.
  6. ^ The Devils traded their 2004 second-round pick (later transferred to Edmonton and used on Geoff Paukovich), along with Mike Rupp to Phoenix for Jan Hrdina on March 5, 2004.
  7. ^ The Devils traded their 2004 fourth-round pick (later transferred to Calgary and used on Kris Hogg) to Columbus for Grant Marshall on March 10, 2003.
  8. ^ Compensatory selection received from the NHL as compensation for Group III free agent Jim McKenzie signing with the Nashville Predators on July 22, 2003.[38]

References

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  1. ^ National Hockey League (2010). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2011. Triumph Books. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-60078-422-4.
  2. ^ Tom Jones (December 14, 2007), "NHL likely to reject union offer", St. Petersburg Times, pp. Sports, 1C
  3. ^ a b Joe Lapointe (January 27, 2005), "Lamoriello Joins League's Team in N.H.L. Contract Talks", The New York Times, pp. Section D, Column 1, Sports Desk, HOCKEY, Pg. 5
  4. ^ Tom Jones (February 5, 2005), "No deal, no budging, no end; no surprise", St. Petersburg Times, pp. Sports, 3C
  5. ^ John Dellapina (February 15, 2005), "Hockey season hits over time", New York Daily News, pp. Sports, pg. 62
  6. ^ Helene Elliott (July 14, 2005), "Labor Pains Finally Stop for the NHL", Los Angeles Times, pp. Sports Desk, Part D, Pg. 1
  7. ^ "2004-05 Home Opener Set for October 15" (PDF). New Jersey Devils. July 14, 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 21, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  8. ^ "2004 Pre-Season Schedule Set". New Jersey Devils. July 19, 2004. Archived from the original on August 3, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  9. ^ "2004-05 New Jersey Devils Schedule". ESPN. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  10. ^ "Hockey Transactions Search Results". Pro Sports Transactions. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  11. ^ "2004 NHL Entry Draft". New Jersey Devils. Archived from the original on July 22, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  12. ^ "Devils Sign Left Wing Darren Langdon". New Jersey Devils. July 3, 2004. Archived from the original on August 12, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  13. ^ a b c d Everson, Mark (July 8, 2004). "FRIESEN DECIDES TO STAY A DEVIL". New York Post. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  14. ^ "Devils Sign Defenseman Richard Matvichuk". New Jersey Devils. July 12, 2004. Archived from the original on August 12, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  15. ^ a b c "Devils defenseman scores one-year deal". ESPN. August 13, 2004. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  16. ^ "Oliwa a Devil again". CBC.ca. July 15, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h "Devils Sign Eight Free Agents" (PDF). New Jersey Devils. August 13, 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 9, 2006. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  18. ^ a b c d "2004 free agents". ESPN. July 1, 2004. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  19. ^ Greg Crozier career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved April 21, 2022
  20. ^ Joe Hulbig career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved April 21, 2022
  21. ^ Corey Schwab career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved April 21, 2022
  22. ^ "LIGHTNING ANNOUNCE HOCKEY OPERATIONS STAFF ADDITIONS & PROMOTIONS". Tampa Bay Lightning. August 10, 2005. Archived from the original on December 17, 2005. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  23. ^ "Flyers Sign Mike Knuble and Turner Stevenson". Philadelphia Flyers. July 3, 2004. Archived from the original on July 8, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  24. ^ "Minnesota Wild Signs Free Agent Giroux". Minnesota Wild. July 7, 2004. Archived from the original on August 4, 2004. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  25. ^ "Lightning sign Craig Darby". OurSports Central. July 19, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  26. ^ "Официальный сайт ХК Липецк. Главная". HC Lipetsk (in Russian). July 28, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022. Контракты с клубом подписали нападающий Максим Балмочных, и защитник Олег Кобзев. [Contracts with the club were signed by striker Maxim Balmochnyh and defender Oleg Kobzev.]
  27. ^ Tommy Albelin at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved April 21, 2022
  28. ^ "Ilves hankki Steve Kariyan". ILVES.COM (in Finnish). August 9, 2004. Archived from the original on August 13, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  29. ^ Mike Matteucci at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved April 21, 2022
  30. ^ "Eagles Re-sign One, Add Another". OurSports Central. September 28, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  31. ^ "Ivan Khomutov signs with New Jersey Devils – London Knights". London Knights. June 29, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  32. ^ a b Lapointe, Joe (July 2, 2004). "Madden Re-Signs With Devils". The New York Times. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  33. ^ "GRANT MARSHALL". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on December 30, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022. 07-Jul-04: Re-signed as an unrestricted free agent by the New Jersey Devils to a multi-year contract.
  34. ^ Everson, Mark (July 16, 2004). "NIEDERMAYER, OLIWA RETURNING TO NEW JERSEY". New York Post. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  35. ^ "Arbitrator gives Gomez $2.9 million". TSN.ca. August 10, 2004. Archived from the original on November 17, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  36. ^ "Devils Re-Sign Forward Sergei Brylin". New Jersey Devils. August 19, 2004. Archived from the original on November 23, 2004. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  37. ^ "2004 Draft Results". NHL.com. Archived from the original on April 15, 2006. Retrieved July 5, 2007.
  38. ^ "2004 NHL Entry Draft Pick Transactions". www.prosportstransactions.com. Retrieved April 21, 2022.