7 Hockey Players who Played for Avalanche and Blue Jackets
My guess is you’ve searched this page out because you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
If I’m right, that also means that today’s grid is asking for players who have played for both the Colorado Avalanche and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
And, I’m also guessing that you’re a little stuck on this particular square and you’re looking for a little help to keep your grid immaculate. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, I’m here to help.
I’ve already done the research and have put together a list of well-known stars along with some more “under-the-radar” players that could land you a low rarity score.
Ian Cole
Ian Cole is an American defenseman currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks. Cole’s pro career began after being drafted 18th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He played college hockey at Notre Dame, where he helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament 3 times, including their first Frozen Four appearance in 2008.
Cole’s NHL career has been marked by several team changes. He made his NHL debut with the Blues in 2010, and in 2015, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the Penguins, Cole achieved significant success, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
His tenure with the Penguins was followed by stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and finally, the Vancouver Canucks. Cole’s NHL career statistics to date include 32 goals and 150 assists in 748 regular season games.
Cole Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Champion (Penguins)
Matt Duchene
Matt Duchene was selected 3rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He wasted no time showcasing his potential, finishing his rookie season among the top scorers on the team. For several seasons, Duchene was a key figure for the Avalanche, consistently ranking among their top offensive players.
Duchene was involved in a blockbuster three-team trade in 2017 that sent him to the Ottawa Senators. While his tenure with the Senators was relatively short-lived, he made significant contributions, particularly in the offensive zone.
In 2019, Duchene joined the Nashville Predators, where he continued to display his offensive prowess and versatility on the ice. He has also represented Canada on multiple occasions in international play, securing gold medals at the World Championships and the Winter Olympics.
Duchene Key Stats
- 40+ Goal Season (Predators)
Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson was selected 3rd overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2005 NHL Draft. He later made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2006-2007 season. Known for his strong skating ability and physical play, Johnson became a steady presence on the blueline for various teams throughout his career.
He played for the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Rangers, accumulating points while contributing significantly in defensive roles.
His play has earned him recognition, including the opportunity to represent the United States in various international tournaments. Johnson’s play is characterized by a blend of offensive skill and defensive responsibility, making him a valuable asset to his teams over the years.
Brandon Saad
Brandon Saad, an American-born player, has made a significant impact in the NHL as a skilled winger. Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round, 43rd overall, in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Saad quickly established himself as a valuable player known for his two-way play and offensive abilities.
He played a key role in the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup victories in 2013 and 2015, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His performances during these championship runs highlighted his potential as a top-line forward in the league.
After his initial stint with the Blackhawks, Saad was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he continued to demonstrate his scoring touch and all-around play. He was later traded back to the Blackhawks before moving to the Colorado Avalanche. The last 3 seasons have been spent with the St Louis Blues.
Saad Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Championship (Blackhawks)
Blake Comeau
Blake Comeau is a Canadian right winger, currently an unrestricted free agent in the NHL. Selected 47th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Comeau played five seasons with the Islanders.
Comeau’s NHL journey saw him moving to various teams. In July 2015, Comeau signed a three-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche, where he became a vital part of their penalty-killing unit. During his time with the Avalanche, he achieved a career-best of 24 assists for 36 points in 81 games.
Comeau later joined the Dallas Stars on a three-year, $7.2 million contract in July 2018. He was made an alternate captain in February 2020 and re-signed with the Stars for the 2021-22 season.
Nick Holden
Nick Holden is a Canadian former defenseman who played 12 seasons in the NHL. He played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights, and Ottawa Senators. He ended his major junior hockey career by signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Holden left the Blue Jackets in 2013 to sign with the Colorado Avalanche. After impressing at training camp, he made the Avalanche’s opening night roster for the 2013–14 season. During this season, Holden scored his first NHL goal and established himself as a key player in the Avalanche’s defense.
In 2018, Holden signed with the Vegas Golden Knights, marking his fifth NHL club. He spent most of the 2020–21 season on the Golden Knights’ “Taxi Squad.” On July 28, 2021, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators, where he played his final two seasons.
Kyle Quincey
Kyle Quincey is a retired Canadian defenseman. He played in the NHL for several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Minnesota Wild.
Quincey was drafted in the third round, 47th overall, of the 2001 OHL Priority Selection by the London Knights. He was then drafted 132nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
He made his NHL debut with Detroit in 2005 and scored his first NHL goal in the 2006–07 season. He eventually joined the Los Angeles Kings in 2008, where he had a breakthrough season leading the Kings’ defense in scoring. Quincey’s NHL career totals include 586 games, with 36 goals, 122 assists, and 158 points.
