New Jersey Devils Ring of Honor Returns, Who Deserves To Be Honored in 2024?

January 7th, 2017 the New Jersey Devils started something special. They call it the “Ring Of Honor” and there has only been one inductee; the man who brought the Devils to the Garden State, Dr. John McMullen. Dr. McMullen was a no brainer to start this tradition but then it seemed to be put on the backburner. From 7 days into the year 2017 until Sep 18th, 2023 the word has been mum on another Ring Of Honor Inductee. The Devils announced in their yearly events calendar that the Ring Of Honor will return January 20th, 2024. With the great Scotts (Niedermayer and Stevens), Martin Brodeur, Ken Daneyko and Patrik Elias all raised to the rafters it seems to me like another no brainer for the ROH. The only reason that I think the following player might not be the one who after many years finally gets his appreciation is because he is still an active part of the Devils Organization, although so are some of the players who have their numbers raised to the rafters.

SERGEI BRYLIN SHOULD BE THE RING OF HONOR INDUCTEE

“Sarge” as we call him is still active as an assistant coach on the New Jersey Devils bench but I don’t think that disqualifies him from being honored. Coming up on 30 years with the club in one form or another is nothing to shake a stick at. There has not been one time in the history of the organization or after his official retirement where Sergei Brylin has been recognized for his dedication or loyalty to the Devils. I, for one, find that to be disrespectful. If you aren’t an avid Devils fan you may not know that Sergei is one of the 5 Devils who won all 3 Stanley Cups with the team. Also, along with Kenny Daneyko and Patrik Elias he never left the team, playing every season of his career with the Albany River Rats and the New Jersey Devils. This man was a main part of the core that brought three Stanley Cups to New Jersey and is still beloved by fans young and old to this day. With that said, there is nothing hanging in the arena attributed to him. As long as Mr. Brylin has been playing and coaching inside the Devils system it is quite hard to believe that we have not had a Sergei Brylin Appreciation Night or something along those lines. These days the NHL (tagging along with other major sports leagues) are having nights celebrating things that are divisive and political as well as inappropriate as many fans and players have spoken out about. So with all these special nights the Devils (known as the “most woke” NHL Organization) have, why have they never celebrated a long time, dedicated, beloved player like Sergei Brylin? Many fans believe that he could be the next Head Coach of the Devils once Lindy Ruff steps away, especially with the departure of Andrew Brunette and the addition of Travis Green.

“I HAD 2 SKATES A YEAR, PLUS PLAYOFFS” – Sergei Brylin on only having 2 skates throughout his whole season after watching Jeff Friesen change skates every game.

BRYLINS NUMBERS IN NEW JERSEY

• GAMES- 765
• POINTS- 308
• GOALS- 129
• ASSISTS- 179
• PIM- 273
• GWG- 14
• PPG- 34
• PPA- 35
• SHOTS- 1016
• F/0 %- 45.8

Hockey-Reference.com

SHOULD THE DEVILS RAISE BRYLINS NUMBER TO THE RAFTERS?

Yes. A simple answer to a simple question. This is not a new question, it’s a question that has been asked by fans since the first ever banner raising. His name is in a group with Martin Brodeur, Scott Niedermayer, Scott Stevens, Ken Daneyko as the five “Bringers of the Cup”. Brylin is the only one of the players who contributed to all 3 organizations championships that has not been recognized. Patrik Elias is of course deserving of having his number 26 raised to the roof but Sergei Brylin does too. Four of the five players with their numbers retired are on the defensive side. While Brylins numbers were not all-star worthy, they were absolutely consistent and he was a serious work horse; well known for his intense workouts and his clutch play. To raise the number 18 would be something fans like myself, who watched his whole career would be ecstatic to see and experience. He is one of the Devils fans favorite players of all time.

OTHER OPTIONS FOR THE DEVILS RING OF HONOR

With “Sarge” being the clear front runner for the Devils ROH, it is absolutely not set in stone. Knowing the organization as long as I have I learned never expect anything because you have a large chance of just setting yourself up for disappointment. Fans these days would not be surprised if a player or member of the organization that was never even mentioned ends up being the one. However, there are others that are worthy of the ROH. If it isn’t Sergei Brylin who we see in the Ring Of Honor on January 20th it may just be the man himself Glenn “Chico” Resch. The former Stanley Cup Champion (NY ISLANDERS), Devils all-star goaltender and color commentator is loved by not only Devils fans but last season he was on the big screen at UBS Arena on Long Island. Yes, he is also a former Islander so he can’t say he spent his whole career with the Devils but he did start out in Colorado and his book is a great read. Another option for the Ring Of Honor could be long time Devils television and radio personality Matt Loughlin. Hearing his voice would turn any Devils fans head as Matt has worn many Hats in the Devils organization and has been with them for 3 decades himself. Mike “Doc” Emrick has had his nights at the Prudential Center where the fans have given him countless standing ovations, he’s obviously going to be a part of the Devils ROH at some point but I don’t think it is a rush to get him in there as much as we would love to see something done in Brylins honor. The last man I’m going to mention here every Devils, Islanders or Rangers fan knows and most likely loves. Two words come to mind “The Maven”. Stan Fischler not only is a hockey historian but if you weren’t aware he is also a historian of the NYC Subway in which he was written many books, amongst other things. What we know him for is his Metropolitan Area Hockey coverage. Before the internet was around many Devils fans had no idea that Stan was cheating on them with the likes of the Isles and the Rangers (who Devils fans call the rag$, it’s a rivalry isn’t it?) on MSG and then MSG PLUS. However, the Devils as well as many other organizations have given him his due, his nights and his celebrations. At 91 years old Stan Fischler will always to us be “The Maven” and he surely will be in the Devils Ring Of Honor at some point. Do they add him due to his age? I doubt it, but remember anything is possible in New Jersey. Including a 4th Stanley Cup, or maybe a Stanley Fischler Cup? They should make an award for Broadcasters called the Stan Fischler Cup as he is the epitome of what a real broadcaster is. His credentials are longer than War and Peace. So who will the Devils name in their Ring Of Honor? Comment below if you have an opinion not mentioned in this article. A rich history in New Jersey could bring out a wealth of names deserving of the honor however, it is my belief that Sergei Brylin deserves to be recognized sooner than later.

MORE DEVILS CONTENT THIS SEASON ON YOUTUBE AND X

According to a recent X/Twitter poll Sergei Brylin won amongst 4 other Devils legends when asked who deserved the most to have their number retired in New Jersey. For more Devils content and information this season take a look at “Devils Joint” on Youtube. Especially if you’re not from the NY/NJ area. This channel hosts live streams for every Devils game in order for out of market fans to interact with each other in real time as they watch the games from home. Devils fans from Australia, The United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland and more come together in the chat room as if they were at the game and interacting with fans in the seats around them. For rare and original Devils clips and videos subscribe to Devils Joint on Youtube and @DevilsJointYT_ on X.