Born in Barrie, Ontario John Madden played Junior C with the Alliston Hornets and Junior B with the local Colts. He then spent four years at the University of Michigan where he notched three straight 20-goal seasons and was named to the CCHA First All-Star Team and NCAA West First All-American Team in 1997. Following his senior year, Madden came to terms with the Devils as a free agent. He fired 20 goals and played solid defense as a rookie with the AHL's Albany River Rats in 1997-98 then jumped up to 38 goals the next season. Madden also played four games for New Jersey as an injury replacement. The hard working forward scored 16 goals and was a solid +7 seven as an NHL freshman in 1999-00. He then played excellent defense and potted three goals to help the Devils win their second Stanley Cup. In 2000-01 Madden played a more prominent role and scored 23 goals while helping the club reach the finals where they lost to the Colorado Avalanche in seven games.



Although the team fell short in the post season, Madden's strong play at both ends of the ice during the regular season earned him the Frank J. Selke Trophy. Madden's offensive totals dropped in 2001-02, however, he continued his strong defensive play and rebounded offensively with a career high 41 points in 2002-03. Madden took his play to another level during the 2003 playoffs, finishing fourth among NHL scorers with 16 points in leading the Devils to their third Stanley Cup title in nine years.
Since his arrival with the Devils organization in 1997-98, Madden has been one of the premier two-way players in the NHL.