An undrafted player from the University of Michigan (where he holds the NCAA record for most shorthanded goals in a single season with 10), he won the Stanley Cup three times during his NHL career: twice with the Devils and once with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Madden was noted during his career for his ability to kill penalties, play both ends of the ice and score shorthanded goals.

Madden was regarded during his career as one of the league's best defensive forwards; he was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2001, and finished second in voting 2003, 2004 and 2008.

[1][2] Madden is a graduate of the Victoria Village House League and has also played for a number of minor league teams, including the Don Mills Flyers, Scarborough Bruins, Hillcrest Summits, and the Junior "C" Alliston Hornets, before moving up to the Junior "B" Barrie Colts.

Madden's teammates at Michigan included future NHL players Brendan Morrison, Mike Knuble, Blake Sloan, Marty Turco, Steve Shields, and Bill Muckalt.

Lamoriello eventually offered Madden a contract, and he signed with the Devils as an amateur free agent on June 26, 1997.

[2] Madden spent the bulk of his first two professional seasons with the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League (AHL).

On October 29, 2000, in a 9–0 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Madden and Randy McKay became the first NHL teammates to each score four goals in one game since January 14, 1922.

On April 25, 2006, Madden completed his first career playoff hat-trick in a 4–1 win over the New York Rangers; two of his goals were shorthanded, tying an NHL record.

Once Jamie Langenbrunner, on December 5, 2007, was named captain, Madden once again was assigned the "A", along with defenseman Colin White.

As an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2009, Madden signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks worth $2.75 million.

[10] On August 29, 2016, Madden was named the head coach of the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets.