JF was a first round pick (24th overall) in the 1997 NHL entry draft. After spending a number of seasons with the Albany River Rats of the AHL, JF was brought up to the NHL in 2002, playing in just 6 games with the Devils.
Remember, this was the height of Martin Brodeur’s career, and there was not room for a whole lot of other goalies on the Devils at that time. Marty started an absolutely astounding 73 out of 82 games that season. JF’s 6 appearances (4 of which were starts) was more appearances than any of the other goalies on the Devils roster that year. Looking at stats from that season, Marty was only relieved in no more than three games the entire season (I can’t say for certain whether the three relief appearances registered were all in relief of Marty, odds are they were).
JF would continue playing for another 3 years, never returning to the NHL. He is presently a Scout with NHL Central Scouting.
Finding a puck signed by a guy who did not play for a significant time is often difficult. I tried contacting JF on social media several times and was unable to make contact. He was on the back burner for this project when, out of nowhere, not one but TWO signed pucks popped up on eBay, from the same seller. I made an offer, he accepted, and I added another puck to the collection.
NJ Devils Goalie Puck Project 