Madden, who matched a career high with 23 assists, finished fourth on the Devils with 43 points in 2007-08.

newjerseydevils.com – You can call him an offensive threat or a defensive specialist, but John Madden is focused more on winning than fitting a mold.

Madden's 2007-08 saw him reach the 20-goal mark for the second time, while connecting for a career-high 43 points. The 2001 Selke Trophy winner as the NHL's top defensive forward also earned his fourth nomination for the award in 2008, finishing second to Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk.

John Madden

Alongside linemate Jay Pandolfo, Madden remains a vital part of the Devils' checking game and will begin his ninth full season in New Jersey when the puck drops for the home opener against the New York Islanders on Friday, Oct. 10.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion recently answered fan questions as part of newjerseydevils.com's Devils Q&A feature.


Where do you spend your offseasons? Do you head back to Barrie?

Chris
Toronto

Madden: I spend the offseason here in Jersey and take a few different vacations with my family.


Who was your favorite hockey player when you were a kid and why?

William
Barrie, Ontario

JM: I had two favorites: one was Doug Gilmour and the other was Wendel Clark. I enjoyed watching them both play. I enjoyed Wendel Clark’s intensity, and Doug Gilmour’s never-quit attitude. That's what I admired most about them.


If you weren't playing hockey, what would you hope to be doing as a different career?

Rob
Matawan, N.J.

JM: Good question... I’m not sure what I’d be doing, but definitely something in athletics. Maybe I’d be coaching somewhere at the college level.


Do you fish? If so, what's the largest fish you've caught, and what type was it?

Pete
Hillsborough, N.J.

JM: Yes I fish... I went fishing in Mexico this year and caught a 120-lb. tuna. My son and I love to bass fish, as well.


What kind of music do you listen to?

Brianne
Colonia, N.J.

JM: All kinds of music, but my favorite is country.  I’d say Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney are my favorites.


Would you rather be known for your scoring ability or your defensive ability?

Andrew
Riverview, New Brunswick

JM: To me it doesn’t really matter if I’m known for scoring goals or for my defensive ability. What matters is being known for helping your teammates win championships.


As a veteran, when things aren't going the Devils’ way in a game, how do you keep your teammates upbeat?

Natasha
Williamstown, N.J.

JM: I keep them upbeat by keeping a positive attitude and looking at the positives in any given game. A little adversity never killed anyone, and you always have to keep working toward your goals.


You and Jay Pandolfo have been playing on the same line together with great success since you both started playing on the team. What is it between you two that makes such a great pairing?

Alex
Ottawa

JM: Chemistry. The biggest thing between Pando and I is that we communicate a lot. We get along real well, and we view the game the same way. Our game plans are always on the same page.

Madden with the Stanley Cup in 2003.

What is the best part of playing hockey in New Jersey?

Jason
Edmonton

JM: We always have a chance to win a championship. With Marty Brodeur in net and, in years past, Scott Stevens, we have always had a shot to win and that has been a lot of fun.


You always look so intense during games, whether on the ice or on the bench. Are you an intense guy in your everyday life as well?

Mary
Keene, N.H.

JM: Some would say so, but I’m not always that way. At home I’m not. But definitely on the ice, when I'm doing my job and the game’s on the line, I’m very intense.


I know you have several dogs... What are their names, and do they miss you during the season when you're on road trips?

Valerie
New Jersey

JM: I have four Golden Retrievers and a Shih Tzu – Fozzie, Hunter, Herbie, Cruise and Freddie. And yes, I’m sure they miss me during the season.


How do you and your teammates occupy yourselves during the plane/bus rides to away games?

Jen
Montville, N.J.

JM: We play a lot of cards, and spend time going to the movies or malls when we're on the road.


What would you like to see the most this season from the fans at The Rock?

Jason
Eldora, N.J.

JM: I think the same things that I expect from my teammates: not too many highs or too many lows over the course of a game or a season. Everybody knows you can’t win every game, but at the same time you have to put your best foot forward and keep a good attitude about what goes on during the year.


You're one of the best two-way players in the NHL who can check, score and skate. Is playing for Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Games a goal of yours?

Ross
London, Ontario

JM: Absolutely. I’d love to play for my country in 2010. Realistically, I’ll be 36 years old by then, and there won’t be too many 36-year-olds on the team. It’s definitely a long shot, but it would be fun to do.