THN Archive: Replacing Shanahan a Devilish Task (Sept. 6, 1991)

* This article was originally posted in the THN Magazine on Sept. 6, 1991 Vol. 44, Issue 41. Written by: Rich Chere *

While the league investigated the St. Louis Blues’ signing of free agent Brendan Shanahan, the New Jersey Devils wondered how they will replace the talented young forward.

Compensation from the Blues and promising newcomers Jarrod Skalde and Bill Guerin could replace Shanahan’s 29 goals and 66 points, but several players wondered how much the Devils would miss his leadership and toughness.

“We’re going to miss him,” Captain Kirk Muller said. “It would’ve been nice if we’d have signed him.

“It’s going to be a tough spot for whoever we pick up because Brendan was a well-liked guy. He also had a good reputation with the fans. I’m sure there are going to be a lot of unhappy fans because we did lose him, and I’m sure a lot of guys on the team are disappointed.”

Shanahan developed into a popular, inspirational player some believed would be the team’s captain of the future.

“To lose a Brendan Shanahan, who was the second pick overall in 1987 and a kid we were building our team on, hurts,” defenseman Bruce Driver said. “I have a fear of the fans seeing us not keeping him. You know, the odd syndrome with the Rangers being across the river there. Fans that have just become Devil fans see him leave, along with maybe one or two other guys, and what are they going to start saying? We have a problem with Sean Burke, too. What will the fans think?”

Fan support was one of the Devils’ primary concerns in the wake of losing Shanahan.

“Anytime you lose a good player like a Brendan Shanahan, I don’t think it’s something positive,” president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said. “I just hope the fans will see we did make every effort to sign him.”

The Devils had the opportunity to match St. Louis’ offer, which would’ve reportedly kept the 22-year-old forward in New Jersey, but owner John McMullen’s financial restrictions prevented Lamoriello from offering more than a $700,000-per-season contract.

“Brendan explained to me that he gave the Devils an opportunity to match it, but it was out of their range, unfortunately,” Driver said. “I’m disappointed in the team, but I understand the financial restraints the team is supposedly under.

“I have no idea of knowing how much money Mr. McMullen can afford to pay players and what he is willing to pay players. I do know we’re on some sort of budget.”

McMullen’s fears were that a million-dollar contract would’ve ruined the Devils, but even a $700,(XX) offer could send players running to their agents.

“We’re all sitting and waiting,” Muller said. “A lot of us put a lot of years in the organization. We had some bad teams there. Now we’re a legitimate contender. It would be real disappointing if the team breaks up just because no one can get what they want for their salaries. I think everyone knows this is the year that’s going to tell if the organization is going to make the jump or not.”

Most players believed the most recent offer to Shanahan was more than fair. However, they questioned why it took so long for the team to make such an offer when Shanahan would’ve signed for approximately $350,000 a year ago.

“There’s no question he could’ve been signed for less than this,” Lamoriello said. “But hindsight is always better than foresight. It’s no consolation, but 135 players played out their option in the NHL. The decision was made last year with several of the free agents Rick Curran (Shanahan’s agent) had that they would play it out and see exactly what transpired.

“We wanted to sign Brendan, and we also wanted to sign him immediately after the season. We even talked to him during the season. We made a very substantial offer because of Brendan Shanahan and who he is. There’s only so far you can go.”

The Blues obviously felt differently.