John Madden (ice hockey) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Madden
Madden with the Minnesota Wild in October 2010
Born	(1973-05-04) May 4, 1973 (age 52) Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Position	Centre
Shot	Left
Played for	New Jersey Devils Chicago Blackhawks Minnesota Wild Florida Panthers
NHL Draft	Undrafted
Playing career	1997–2012

John J. Madden (born May 4, 1973) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He was a centre known for his amazing defensive skills. John played for 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is most famous for his time with the New Jersey Devils.

Even though he was never picked in the NHL draft, John Madden became a star. He won the Stanley Cup three times! He won it twice with the Devils and once with the Chicago Blackhawks. Madden was known for being great at stopping opponents from scoring. He was also good at scoring goals when his team was playing with fewer players (called "shorthanded goals").

Many people thought Madden was one of the best defensive forwards in the league. He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2001. This award goes to the best defensive forward in the NHL. His skills at stopping penalties often led to chances for his team to score. He even set a record for the Devils by scoring six shorthanded goals in one season (1999–2000).

After he stopped playing in 2012, John Madden became a coach and a scout for NHL teams. He even coached a minor league team called the Cleveland Monsters for three seasons.

Playing Career

Starting Out in Hockey

John Madden grew up in Toronto, Canada. He played for many different minor league teams as a young player. These included the Don Mills Flyers and the Junior "B" Barrie Colts. In his second full season with the Colts (1992–93), Madden scored an amazing 124 points!

Even with all his skill, John was not picked in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. But he didn't give up! He decided to play college hockey instead.

College Hockey Star

Madden went to the University of Michigan to play for the Wolverines. He played 160 games and scored 180 points. During his four years there, he set a special record. He scored 23 shorthanded goals in his college career. This is the most ever in college hockey! He also helped his team win the national championship in 1996.

John Madden's hard work caught the eye of the New Jersey Devils' general manager. The Devils signed him as a free agent in 1997.

New Jersey Devils Years

John Madden started his professional career with the Albany River Rats in the American Hockey League (AHL). He was a top scorer for them in the 1998–99 season. He made his first NHL appearance for the Devils on January 6, 1999.

Madden earned a full-time spot with the Devils in the 1999–2000 season. He stayed with the team until 2009. On October 29, 2000, Madden and his teammate Randy McKay each scored four goals in one game. This was a rare event in NHL history!

For most of his time with the Devils, Madden played alongside Jay Pandolfo. Fans even called them "Madolfo." They were a very important pair for the team's defense.

John Madden was a key player when the Devils won the Stanley Cup in 2000 and 2003. He scored his 100th career goal on April 1, 2006. He also reached 100 assists and 200 points with the Devils.

Madden (left) taking a faceoff in a February 2008 game

Later NHL Teams

After leaving the Devils, Madden signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2009. He won his third Stanley Cup with them in 2010!

In 2010, he joined the Minnesota Wild. He played 76 games and scored 25 points for them.

His last NHL team was the Florida Panthers, where he signed in 2012. The Panthers made the playoffs that year for the first time in 12 years. Madden retired from playing hockey on September 4, 2012.

After Playing: Coaching Career

Right after retiring, John Madden started working for the Montreal Canadiens. He helped them find new amateur players.

In 2013, he became an assistant coach for the Florida Panthers. He stayed with them until 2016.

Then, in 2016, Madden became the head coach of the Cleveland Monsters. This team is a minor league affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He coached the Monsters for three seasons.

Later, Madden joined the San Jose Sharks as an assistant coach in 2020. He then moved to the Arizona Coyotes as an assistant coach in 2022.

Personal Life

John Madden is married to Lauren, and they have two children, Tyler and Reese. His son, Tyler Madden, is also a hockey player! Tyler was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018 and later traded to the Los Angeles Kings.

Career Statistics

Awards and Honours