A True Captain
An excellent demonstration of leadership, talent and perseverance, I would like to congratulate
Scott Stevens for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Enjoying a career that spanned over 20 years, Stevens was the Capitals 1st pick, 5th overall in the 1982 NHL entry draft.
He spent a total of 8 seasons with the Caps, helping them make the playoffs every year he was in Washington. His numbers in D.C. also
show that he was force right from the get-go of his NHL career.
In 1982-83, Scott Stevens would tally 25 points during his rookie campaign, this would his lowest point total during his tenure with the Caps. Stevens would go on to score 40 or more points in each of the following 7 seasons with the Capitals, slowly turning into the Franchise player we all would come to know. He enjoyed his best season with the Caps in 1987-88, when he tallied 12 goals and 60 assists for 72 points, including 184 penalty minutes. He would tally 61 assists the following year, but with only 7 goals, for 68 points.
Going deep into the playoffs with the Capitals in 1987-88 and 1989-90 truly allowed Scott the advantage of gaining much needed playoff experience at a young age. Experience that he would eventually use, netting 3 Stanley Cups in New Jersey in 1995, 2000 and 2003. Rewarded for his stellar performance, Stevens won the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP in the 2000. He would only tally 9 points in that Cup winning run, but was a + 14 and was by far the most dominant force on the ice in those playoffs.
His size made him a force to be reckoned with. At 6 feet, 2 inches tall, Stevens weighed 215 pounds. He was a big man, but played the game at an even larger size. Everyone remembers Stevens for being one of the most punishing hitters in the history of the game (the Kariya and Lindros hits come to mind...), yet his numbers show that he was much, much more than just a physical presence on the ice.
Here are some of the numbers that Scott Stevens accumulated throughout the course of his 22 year career.
Regular Season.
Games Played: 1635 –
Ranking him 5th All-Time
Goals: 196
Assists: 712
Points: 908 –
Ranking him 10th All-Time among Defensemen, only 7 points behind Bobby Orr
Penalty Minutes: 2,785 –
Top 20 All-Time
Plus/Minus: + 377 –
he was never a Minus!! Remaining even (+/- 0) only once, in 1985-86.
Playoff Numbers.
Games Played: 233 -
3rd All-Time
Goals: 26
Assists: 92
Points: 118
Penalty Minutes: 402
Plus/Minus: + 40 in 20 playoff campaigns
As previously mentioned, Stevens has 3 Stanley Cup rings and 1 Conn Smythe trophy. But here is a list of some additional achievements.
1 Memorial Cup with the Kitchener Rangers in 1982 (
with fellow inductee Al MACINNIS)
11 straight seasons of
40 + points
5 seasons of
60 + points
First team All Star 2 times
Second team All Star 3 times.
His value was never over-looked throughout his 22 year career.
Beginning as an 18 year old in Washington, Stevens was highly touted prospect and a top 5 draft pick. Although he was never traded, Stevens demanded a high price wherever he went. His progression and value increased dramatically over his 8 year career in Washington, eventually leading to the team being unable to resign him in the 1990-91 off-season.
Instead, he was signed by the St.Louis Blues.
As compensation for the signing the Caps received an astounding
5 (
...that's right 5!!!)
FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKS!!! That's a lot! Even by today's standards!!!
He would only last one season in St.Louis though, notching 5 goals and 44 assists for 49 points in 1990-91 for the Blues.
Stevens final destination would be determined by a similar ploy that saw him go from the Caps to the Blues.
It was the summer of 1992 and the St.Louis Blues were looking for a way to boost their offense once again. Their final target would be Brendan Shanahan of the New Jersey Devils. Eventually agreeing to sign with St.Louis, Shanny's decision would force the Blues to give up Scott Stevens as compensation. The result of these actions is what would land Stevens in the Jersey (no pun intended) that he would wear for the rest of his career.
Stevens arrival in New Jersey would provide the foundation for the franchise for the following 10 years. Alongside Martin Brodeur, Stevens would enjoy some of the best seasons of his career. He was no longer the scoring threat he was with the Blues and Capitals, but had learned to play one of the most sound and punishing defensive games this league has ever seen.
His talented and hard working career is a shining example for today's NHL'ers. Never someone to rip a team-mate or cause problems in the room, Stevens was an ultimate leader. He led in almost every possible category at different times in his career, showing his versatility and ability to learn as he played. Never relying solely on his talent, Stevens instead used a combination of that talent, his hard work and a tremendous determination to play and win, as a team.
A consummate Captain and ferocious leader throughout his 22 year NHL career, I would just like to thank and congratulate Scott Stevens on a tremendous life of achievements in hockey. It is a true pleasure to know that you will forever be recognized as one of this game's greats.
Entering the Hall of Fame as a part of one of the most legendary classes of inductees, Stevens is joined by forwards, the “Moose”
Mark Messier and
Ron Francis, defenseman
Al MacInnis and builder
Jim Gregory. Surely one of the best groups to enter the Hall at the same time, all of these men are to be congratulated and saluted for each of their respective careers and their positive impacts on this great game of hockey.
For questions or comments you may now reach me at
[email protected].
Go Caps!!!
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