New Jersey Pads

Martin Brodeur is widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history—a player who redefined the position with his consistency, puck-handling skill, and championship pedigree. Born on May 6, 1972, in Montreal, Quebec, Brodeur spent the vast majority of his 22-season career with the New Jersey Devils, becoming the face of the franchise and a pillar of their defensive dynasty. Drafted 20th overall in 1990, Brodeur made his NHL debut in 1992 and quickly established himself as an elite netminder. He led the Devils to three Stanley Cup championships (1995, 2000, 2003) and was a four-time Vezina Trophy winner, honoring him as the league’s top goaltender. His calm demeanor, textbook positioning, and unmatched puck-handling ability made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He was also a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team Canada, winning in 2002 and 2010, and helped define the “clutch” mentality on the international stage just as he did in the NHL. Perhaps what set Brodeur apart most was his hybrid style—a blend of classic stand-up technique and modern butterfly goaltending. Add to that his ability to act like a third defenseman behind the net, and he became a uniquely disruptive force. After a brief final stint with the St. Louis Blues, Brodeur retired in 2015 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018. His No. 30 was retired by the Devils, a fitting tribute to the player who helped build their legacy.