This “Mickey Mouse Organization” Can’t Forget Its Past Success
In 1983, after a 13–4 blowout loss to Wayne Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers, Gretzky didn’t hold back in his postgame comments.
He called the New Jersey Devils a “Mickey Mouse organization.”
Fans were outraged. The quote took the media by storm. But the truth? He wasn’t wrong.
That night wasn’t just a fluke loss, it reflected a struggling franchise with no real identity or direction. The Devils had already failed in two cities: first as the Kansas City Scouts, then as the Colorado Rockies. By the time they landed in New Jersey, they were on their third chance.
Gretzky’s comment struck a chord. While the team didn’t change overnight, the fans responded. Some showed up in Mickey Mouse gear, especially when the Oilers were in town.
The 1983 Devils finished the season with just 17 wins. It wasn’t until the 1987–88 season that the team posted its first winning record. That same year, in one of the lowest moments in franchise history, under 900 fans showed up to a home game.
Then came Lou Lamoriello.
Under Lamoriello’s leadership, the Devils built a culture of consistency and winning. From 1987 to 2012, New Jersey missed the playoffs only three times: in 1988–89, 1995–96, and 2010–11. That’s 25 years of near-constant playoff contention.
And during that stretch? Three Stanley Cups: 1995, 2000, and 2003.
For a quarter-century, the Devils were anything but a “Mickey Mouse” operation. They were a disciplined, competitive team that often outworked more talented opponents.
Fast forward to 2025, and it’s easy for fans to feel discouraged. Since 2013, the Devils have made the playoffs just three times: five games in 2017–18, a 12-game run in 2022–23, and five more in 2024–25. They were eliminated twice by the Carolina Hurricanes in five-game series.
The Devils have endured injuries, underperforming seasons, and long rebuilds. But there’s reason for optimism.
Since 2013, the team has drafted first overall twice, selecting Nico Hischier in 2017 and Jack Hughes in 2019. They’ve added key pieces like Dougie Hamilton, continued developing talent with Luke Hughes, and found promising goaltenders in Nico Daws and Mikhail Yegorov.
The glory years of 1987 to 2012 are more than just history, they’re proof of what the Devils can be.
This team has the core to build around. The Mickey Mouse label? That’s long gone. And if things come together, New Jersey might be just one season away from returning to the dominance that once defined them.
Photo Credit: © Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images