Devils History
Top 5 Swedish Devils Players of All-Time
In Devils franchise history, the best Swedish player ever to represent New Jersey is still playing, and has a long career ahead of him.
With the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics having just finished, and the announcement of the 2034 Winter Olympics returning to Salt Lake City, national pride is on the mind.
The Devils have been well represented worldwide, but to the surprise of some, they don’t have the deepest ties to Sweden. Throughout team history, just three Swedish players have played in over 300 games for the team. Nevertheless, they’ve produced some great Devils, past and present.
MUST READS: Top-5 American-Born Devils // Top-5 Canadian-Born Devils
Here’s a look at the top five Swedish Devils of all time.
5. Johnny Oduya
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
It may not have been for long, but there was a time when a young Johnny Oduya was a budding star on the Devils backend. During his three-and-a-half-year stint with the Devils, Oduya amassed 17 goals and 53 assists in 273 games. He also made it to three straight playoff appearances with the team, where he recorded two points in 18 games.
While on the ice Oduya was a fantastic skater and two-way defenseman, he’s more known in Devils history as a key piece in the trade to acquire Ilya Kovalchuk. In a package that involved two top prospects and a first and second-round pick, Oduya was the sole full-time NHLer in the deal. He went on to win two Stanley Cups and an Olympic silver medal.
4. Adam Larsson
After winning the Draft Lottery for the first time in franchise history, the Devils took Adam Larsson fourth overall back in 2011. Primed to be the next face of the Devils defensive core, Larsson had an up-and-down start to his career in New Jersey. However, during his five-year tenure, he did play in 274 games, recorded 69 points, and scored a big goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the 2012 Stanley Cup run.
Similar to Oduya, Larsson is better known for being traded from the Devils. Larsson was sent to the Edmonton Oilers for future MVP Taylor Hall, a move that can be summed up by one phrase; “Trade is one for one.” Nevertheless, Larsson was big, mobile, and unafraid to jump into the offensive zone in transition. The jury’s out whether or not he would’ve hit his ceiling had he stayed in New Jersey, but he carved out a nice career as a top-four defenseman.
3. Patrik Sundstrom
One of the most underrated Devils forwards in team history, Patrik Sundstrom was a consistent source of offense for the Devils in the late 80s/early 90s. After joining from Vancouver, Sundstrom was a catalyst for the Devils making the playoffs in 1988 and led the team with 20 points in 18 postseason games. During his tenure in New Jersey, Sundstrom scored 246 points in 305 games.
Sundstrom was an over-a-point-per-game player for two out of the four full seasons he played for the Devils. Also, he was named as an assistant captain for his final full season in New Jersey in 1990-91, along with John MacClean. He may not go down as a Devils great, but Sundstrom is still one of the longest-tenured Swedish Devils in team history.
2. Tommy Albelin
The “current” longest-tenured Swede in Devils history, Tommy Albelin was a key cog for the Devils throughout the 90’s, as well as a two-time Stanley Cup champion. A Stockholm, Sweden native, Albelin played 539 games for the Devils and 77 more in the postseason. He wasn’t known for his offense, but he did manage 152 points in his Devils career. Albelin’s game wasn’t flashy, but it was effective, especially for the Devils, who prided themselves on defensive structure.
His impact within the organization expands past his playing days as well. Albelin spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Devils in the NHL, as well as four years with the Albany Devils down in the AHL. Outside his two Stanley Cups, Albelin has a World Championship gold medal, two World Championship silver medals, and an SHL title.
1. Jesper Bratt
Jan 16, 2023; San Jose, CA, USA; during home game vs New Jersey Devils at SAP Center. Photo: Hockey Shots/Dean Tait
When it’s all said and done, Jesper Bratt will be far and away the best, and most tenured, Swede in franchise history. After humble beginnings as a sixth-round pick, Bratt has played in 471 games, where he’s scored 359 points. Bratt is a dynamic offensive weapon and an integral part of the current Devils core that’s entering a Stanley Cup contention window. Bratt is coming off of a season where he put up a career-high 83 points while playing in all 82 games.
The first four years of Bratt’s Devils career were mired with inconsistencies and question marks. The skill was undeniable, but he always left wanting more and struggled with the defensive side of the game. However, a 73-point breakout season in 2021-22 saw his game go to the next level. An elite skater whose patented hip swivel consistently beats defenders, Bratt is pure speed and offense. If Bratt can get a Stanley Cup under his belt with the Devils, he’ll likely go down as not just the best Swede in team history, but one of the best offensive players.
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10
And on Threads:
