Tweet from @NJDevils: We've selected USA D Steve Santini. Our next pick will be the 73rd overall. #NHLDraft
The Boston College defenseman was known for big hits at the college-level, recording 122 penalty minutes over his three seasons with the team. In 98 games-played as an Eagle, he earned 35 points with five goals and 30 assists.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Who���s ready to see hits like THIS from Steve Santini when he protects the blue line for the #NJDevils? pic.twitter.com/tFzbHEZToP
On April 8, 2016, Santini signed his first NHL contract.
Tweet from @NJDevils: #NJDevils sign defenseman Steven Santini to three-year entry-level contract: https://t.co/HZ90JlSqW3 pic.twitter.com/jbwy0Z1G7S
And the very next day, Santini made his NHL debut on April 9, 2016.
Tweet from @NJDevils: "I'm ready for this journey." D Steven Santini set for his #NHL debut tonight: https://t.co/0YeqwRhLIk pic.twitter.com/0QdZUF1gXg
However, he wasn't the only Devil making his debut. Santini was joined by fellow Boston College Eagle Miles Wood, and Czech Republic native Pavel Zacha.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Steve Santini and Miles Wood look to make a good first impression in their debut at The Rock! #TORvsNJD pic.twitter.com/Cgc5wxAt1w
Tweet from @NJDevils: The three best friends anyone can have make their debut tonight! Welcome Santini, Zacha and Wood! #TORvsNJD pic.twitter.com/2SZf1Vc8GR
The Devils defenseman netted his first NHL goal on January 12, 2017.
Tweet from @NJDevils: A goal that Steve Santini will remember forever...his first in the @NHL. #NJDvsEDM pic.twitter.com/fLXZK3obBv
At the beginning of the 2017-18 season, Santini had a number change from 38 to 16 to kick off the year.
Tweet from @NJDevils: New season, new number for Steve Santini! #NJDvsMTL pic.twitter.com/pAVr5ajyvY
And during this past off-season, Santini signed a three-year contract to stay in New Jersey with the Devils.
Tweet from @NJDevils: OFFICIAL 📄������: Steven Santini has signed a new deal with the #NJDevils, keeping him in Jersey through the 2020-21 season! https://t.co/Lq1PEJoBit
Although this defenseman can serve some hits on the ice, we have a few other fun facts you might not know about him. Santini started playing hockey at the age of four and we won't hold it against him, but this New York native used to root for the Rangers when he was a kid. He played baseball and football while growing up and is a loyal New York Yankees fan, with Derek Jeter being his favorite athlete. In his spare time, you can catch this Devil listening to his favorite artist, Brad Paisley, playing NHL '19, or watching his favorite TV show, Big Bang Theory. When he's not at the rink, some of his favorite activities are swimming, reading, and kayaking. His favorite holiday to celebrate is Christmas, which shows when the players visit local hospital patients and staff to spread holiday cheer.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Steve Santini and @mileswood44 show appreciation for all the doctors and nurses who are making a difference everyday. #DevilsCare pic.twitter.com/2wrhepzMNj
If this Devil wasn't a hockey player, he'd be a financial advisor, which makes sense, since his favorite school subject growing up was math. But when it comes to who's messier, who's a better driver, and who would win on the Bachelorette between Santini and Miles Wood? We just had to leave this here for old time's sake:
Tweet from @NJDevils: Before they skate in the Calder Cup Playoffs, watch Steve Santini & @MilesWood44 test their friendship in ���Him vs. Me!��� pic.twitter.com/g5iEOvwves
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