Neal Broten

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Lore & Background

Broten's time with the Dallas Stars was brief but significant. He was traded to the New Jersey Devils on February 27, 1995, for Corey Millen, ending his tenure as captain. He later returned to the organization when he was claimed on waivers by Dallas from the Los Angeles Kings on January 28, 1997. Despite playing only parts of two seasons with the Stars, his impact was recognized when the franchise retired his jersey number 7 on February 7, 1998. Broten's leadership during the lockout-shortened season provided stability for a team in transition, as he brought experience from his 17-season NHL career that included a Stanley Cup championship with the Devils in 1995.

In Their Own Story

On February 7, 1998, the Dallas Stars honored Neal Broten by retiring his jersey number 7 in a ceremony at Reunion Arena. The honor recognized his contributions not only to the Stars but to the entire franchise history dating back to the Minnesota North Stars, who had drafted him in the second round (42nd overall) of the 1979 NHL entry draft. Broten had appeared in 1,099 NHL regular season games from 1981 to 1997, including his time with the North Stars, Stars, New Jersey Devils, and Los Angeles Kings. The retirement of his number cemented his legacy as one of the most accomplished American-born players of his era.

Reader's Guide

Neal Broten played for the Dallas Stars during two separate stints: first from the start of the 1994–95 season until February 27, 1995, and then from January 28, 1997, through the end of the 1996–97 season. He served as team captain for two months during the lockout-shortened 1994–95 season after Mark Tinordi was traded. Broten was traded to the New Jersey Devils on February 27, 1995, for Corey Millen. He later returned to Dallas when claimed on waivers from the Los Angeles Kings on January 28, 1997. His jersey number 7 was retired by the Dallas Stars on February 7, 1998.

Did You Know?

• Broten's jersey number (7) was retired by the Dallas Stars on February 7, 1998.
• He served as the captain of the Dallas Stars for two months during the lockout-shortened 1994–95 NHL season after the trade of previous captain Mark Tinordi.
• Broten was traded from the Dallas Stars to the New Jersey Devils for Corey Millen on February 27, 1995.
• He was claimed on waivers by Dallas from the Los Angeles Kings on January 28, 1997.
• Broten was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in the 2nd round (42 overall) of the 1979 NHL entry draft.