Three #s are already retired, and 2 more are guaranteed ... but what about these 4 others on the bubble?

NEWARK —

By Kevin Canessa Jr. | Publisher

Numbers 3, 4 and 27 fly high above in the rafters as the Prudential Center -- and for Kenny Daneyko, Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer, they’re deservedly retired. And, likely within the next few years, Nos. 26 and 30 will make it to the rafters when Patrik Elias and Martin Brodeur ultimately retire.

But there are four other former Devils on the bubble, two of whom I think I can make a case for -- and two whom are on the bubble.

We start with Sergei Brylin, No. 18, who played with the Devils from 1995 to 2008. He is one of only a handful of players to win three rings with the Devils -- and is perhaps as loyal a forward the Devils have ever had. Had I the choice to make, his number would have already been retired.

Then there is John MacLean, who from 1984 to 1998, wore No. 15. One Cup win, but he left in ugly fashion in 1998. He was, however, successfully an assistant coach here for a few years, but had, perhaps, the single-worst head-coaching yield in team history. Still, given he scored the goal that got them to the playoffs for the first time ever in 1988 -- and all else he accomplished before and after 1988, I’d retire No. 15 for Johnny Mac.

Now here is the first questionable call -- Bruce Driver, who wore No. 23 from 1985 to 1995. Bruce is very active these days with the Devils Alumni, but the fact of the matter is after winning the Cup in 1995, Driver not only bolted, he went across the river to the Rangers in as insulting a move as there could be. While he is on the borderline, I would not retire Driver’s number, and yes, a lot of it is because of how he left the team -- and where he went.

Finally, there is Colin White, who wore No. 5 from 2000 to 2011. Colin was a very strong defenseman -- and won two Cups with the Devils in ’00 and ’03. Eleven years is a lot of time these days for a player to spend with one team. In White’s case, my heart tells me his number should be retired -- but my gut says no.

So there it is -- I’d retired Nos. 15 & 18 for MacLean and Brylin, I’d pass on Driver with reservations and I’d pass on White with even more reservations.

What say you? Are there any other NJ Devils alums whose numbers should be retired either soon or down the line? Comment away.