CUP 1 KURDZUK

Devils greats Scott Niedermayer (left) and Scott Stevens in 1993. (Tony Kurdzuk / The Star-Ledger)

(TONY KURDZUK)

WASHINGTON — Representatives from opposing NHL teams have said it is strange to see the Devils without Martin Brodeur around this season.

We agree.

For the first time since 2011, the Devils are without the two people most would consider the greatest players in the franchise's history. Brodeur is still waiting for an offer from another NHL club while Scott Stevens resigned as an assistant coach this past summer.

Both are greatly missed, but who stands alone as the franchise's greatest? We're not talking about most popular or the face of the franchise. We're talking the single most important player the Devils have ever had.

Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook.