East Rutherford, NJ Defenseman Ken Daneyko, one of just five members of all three of New Jerseys Stanley Cup Championship teams, retired today as an active player. He will remain with the organization. The announcement was made by Daneyko along with Devils CEO/ President/General Manager Lou Lamoriello.

Ken Daneyko is an individual who symbolizes the character of our entire organization, said Lamoriello. When you look at his career -- his loyalty, work ethic, toughness, and commitment represent what the New Jersey Devils are all about. We look forward to his continued involvement with our organization.

Daneyko, 39, appeared in 1,283 career regular-season National Hockey League games all of them with New Jersey. His games-played total is the most in team history and ranks 35th in league history. Daneyko was second to Detroits Steve Yzerman among active players and fourth overall among those who have spent their entire careers with one team. He also holds the franchise record, having appeared in 388 consecutive games from November 4, 1989 through March 24, 1994.

The 61, 215 lb. defenseman tallied 2,519 career penalty minutes the most in NHL history among players who have appeared with just one club. He led the Devils in penalty minutes six times overall, including five consecutive seasons from 1986-87 through 1990-91. Daneyko had career regular-season totals of 36 goals and 142 assists for 178 points and was a plus-78. He posted a career-high 21 points in 1989-90 and a plus-27 mark during the 1993-94 and 1998-99 seasons.

Daneyko added five goals and 17 assists for 22 points and a team-record 296 penalty minutes during his playoff career. His 175 career post-season contests are a franchise record, and until this past season he had appeared in every game in team history.

During his 18 full NHL seasons, 210 players appeared in at least one game with the Windsor, Ont. native. He had been on the Devils roster since 1983 longer than any current athlete in the four major professional sports leagues. Daneyko was New Jerseys second choice and the 18th overall selection in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. He played junior hockey at Spokane, Seattle, and Kamloops (WHL).

Among Daneykos career highlights: Became the Devils all-time leader in games played with 935, surpassing John MacLean December 8, 1998 vs. PhiladelphiaAppeared in his 1,000th NHL game October 29, 1999 at CarolinaAwarded the 2000 Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers AssociationWon the 1986-87 Devils Unsung Hero Award and the 1989-90 Devils Good Guy AwardPosted crucial goal in regular-season finale April 3, 1988 at Chicago when New Jersey clinched first-ever playoff spotRecorded four assists in game three of the 1988 Patrick Division Finals vs. WashingtonMade NHL debut October 5, 1983 at the NY Rangers.

Ken and his wife JonnaLyn have two children: eight-year-old daughter Taylor Lyn and four-year-old son Shane. Ken is active in the community, having represented the Devils in numerous charitable appearances throughout his NHL career.

Career Statistics