John Madden Hangs Up His Skates

Added by Michael DiGiacomo on September 4, 2012.

John Madden (L.) with DoubleGSports.com Devils Writer, Michael DiGiacomo.

Through the thick low hanging cloud currently known as a lockout, news broke today of the former New Jersey Devils winger, John Madden deciding to call it quits and retire from the game he played for 13 seasons in the NHL.

To Devils fans, “Mad Dog” was a fan favorite never really lighting it up for a Hart nomination but provided consistency, depth, and the ability to play short-handed and help shut down some of the best players in the game.

Madden took home the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2001 along with strong contention again for the award in 2003, 2004, and 2008. He led the NHL and set a Devils team record by netting six shorthanded goals in 1999-2000. He also was a two-time alternate captain as a Devil and has his name etched on the Stanley Cup twice from their 2000 and 2003 championships and once with his one year stint with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2009.

The Canadians official Twitter account reported hiring John as a part of their amateur player recruitment group. He will be responsible for the scouting and evaluation of free agent players at the US college level.

Madden at 39, has not been able to secure a spot on an NHL roster for the upcoming season and I think wanted the security of a solid position rather than bounce around from team to team to end his NHL career. He amassed 348 points in 898 NHL games over 13 NHL seasons.