John MacLean's journey in professional hockey began when he was selected sixth overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Born on November 20, 1964, in Oshawa, Ontario, MacLean quickly became an integral part of the Devils' roster. His debut season in the NHL came in 1983-84, and he soon established himself as a reliable right winger known for his scoring ability and leadership on the ice.
Throughout his career with the Devils, MacLean was known for his offensive prowess. He reached the 40-goal mark twice, with his best season coming in 1988-89 when he scored 42 goals and added 38 assists for a total of 80 points. MacLean's knack for finding the back of the net made him a consistent offensive threat and a fan favorite in New Jersey.
One of the most memorable moments in MacLean's career came on April 3, 1988. In a game against the Chicago Blackhawks, he scored an overtime goal that secured the Devils' first-ever playoff berth. This goal is often remembered as a turning point for the franchise, marking the beginning of a new era for the team.
MacLean's tenure with the Devils was marked by both individual achievements and team success. He played a crucial role in the Devils' journey to their first Stanley Cup championship in 1995. Although he missed the playoffs that year due to injury, his contributions during the regular season were instrumental in helping the team reach the postseason.
After spending 14 seasons with the Devils, MacLean was traded to the San Jose Sharks in 1997. His time with the Sharks was brief, and he was subsequently traded to the New York Rangers in 1998. MacLean continued to demonstrate his scoring ability with the Rangers, providing veteran leadership to a team in transition.
In 2000, MacLean signed with the Dallas Stars, where he played for two seasons before retiring as a player in 2002. Over his 18-year NHL career, MacLean amassed 413 goals and 429 assists for a total of 842 points in 1,194 regular-season games. His playoff record includes 35 points in 93 games, underscoring his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Following his retirement as a player, MacLean transitioned into coaching. He returned to the New Jersey Devils organization, serving as an assistant coach from 2002 to 2009. In 2010, he was named the head coach of the Devils, a position he held for part of the 2010-11 season. Although his tenure as head coach was short-lived, MacLean's deep understanding of the game and his experience as a player provided valuable insights to the teams he coached.
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