Devils News

Ex-Devils Forward Lands Head Coaching Gig

Ex-Devils forward Scott Gomez lands a new head coaching gig, named the bench boss for the Chicago Steel of the USHL.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 2, 2025

New Jersey Devils' Scott Gomez (21) during an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Ex-New Jersey Devils forward, Scott Gomez, landed a new head coaching gig in his post-playing career. On Monday, the USHL’s Chicago Steel announced Gomez as their next head coach.

“I am honored and thrilled to take on the role of Head Coach for the Chicago Steel,” Gomez told Steel media. “This organization has a tradition of success and a commitment to developing players both as athletes and individuals. My goal is for the Steel to be the top destination to prepare players for the next level.

“I look forward to working with this talented group of young players, the coaching staff, and the entire Steel community.”

The Steel also named former Hobey Baker winner, Mike Mottau, as Scott Gomez‘s assistant.

Gomez enjoyed a storied 16-season career in the NHL. Drafted 27th overall by the Devils in 1998, Gomez quickly made his mark, becoming the first Alaska-born player in the NHL and winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2000. He went on to capture two Stanley Cups with the Devils in 2000 and 2003, amassing 756 points (181 goals, 575 assists) in 1,079 regular-season games across seven NHL teams, including the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators.

After retiring in 2016, Gomez transitioned to coaching. The ex-Devils forward served as an assistant coach for the New York Islanders from 2017 to 2019, gaining valuable NHL coaching experience from Barry Trotz, who many believe is a future Hall-of-Famer.

More recently, Gomez served as the head coach and general manager of the Surrey Eagles—a team he played for in the ’90’s—in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) during the 2024-2025 season. Gomez coached the Eagles to a second-place regular season finish. They were eliminated from the playoffs in five games (1-4).

“We are very excited to welcome Scott and Mike to Chicago,” Steel President Dan Lehv said to Steel media. “We believe that bringing nearly 30 years of professional playing experience combined with their expertise and passion for coaching and player development will help drive the Steel to new heights.”

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