7 Hockey Players who Played for Avalanche and Canadiens
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 Montreal Canadiens.
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.
Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy, a legendary figure in the world of ice hockey, is widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. Roy’s illustrious career spanned 19 seasons in the NHL, during which he played for the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche.
Roy led the Canadiens to Stanley Cup victories in 1986 and 1993. He was known for his intense competitive nature, innovative butterfly style of goaltending, and ability to perform at his best in high-pressure situations, particularly in the playoffs. His success with the Canadiens also included winning multiple Vezina Trophies, awarded to the league’s best goaltender.
In 1995, Roy was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he continued his exceptional career. With the Avalanche, he won two more Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001, further cementing his legacy as a clutch performer in the postseason. Roy retired in 2003 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006.
Roy Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Championship (Canadiens, Avalanche)
- Vezina Trophy (Canadiens)
- 300+ Career Wins (Canadiens, Avalanche)
- 30+ Wins in a Season (Canadiens, Avalanche)
Guy LaFleur
Guy Lafleur’s professional career in the NHL spanned from 1971 to 1991, during which he played for the Canadiens, Rangers, and Nordiques. Lafleur’s NHL career saw him playing 1,126 games, during which he scored 560 goals and made 793 assists, totaling 1,353 points.
Lafleur’s impressive career includes five Stanley Cup championships with the Canadiens, two Hart Trophies as the league’s most valuable player, three Art Ross Trophies as the top point scorer, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs in 1977.
Lafleur achieved a record of six consecutive seasons from 1974–75 to 1979–80 with 50 or more goals and 100 or more points. His significant contributions to the sport were recognized with an induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988.
Lafleur Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Canadiens, Rangers, Nordiques)
- Hart Trophy (Canadiens)
- All-Star (Canadiens)
- 500+ Career Goals (Canadiens, Rangers, Nordiques)
- 100+ Point Season (Canadiens)
- 40+ Goal Season (Canadiens)
- 50+ Assist Season (Canadiens)
Pierre Turgeon
Pierre Turgeon was drafted first overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, Turgeon quickly made an impact and lived up to the expectations that come with being a top pick. Over his career, he established himself as one of the league’s premier centers, amassing over 1,300 points.
His time with the New York Islanders brought both career highlights and one of its most infamous moments. During the 1993 playoffs, after scoring a crucial goal, Turgeon was blindsided by a hit from Dale Hunter of the Washington Capitals, an incident that resulted in a significant suspension for Hunter.
In addition to his stints with the Sabres and Islanders, he also played for the Canadiens, Blues, Stars, and Avalanche. Turgeon’s legacy in the NHL is defined by his graceful play, impressive point totals, and the respect he garnered from both teammates and opponents alike. He remains one of the highest-scoring players of his era.
Turgeon Key Stats
- 500+ Career Goals (Sabres, Blues, Islanders, Canadiens, Stars, Avalanche)
- 100+ Point Season (Sabres, Islanders)
- 40+ Goal Season (Sabres, Islanders)
- 50+ Assist Season (Sabres, Islanders, Canadiens, Blues)
Alex Galchenyuk
Alex Galchenyuk was selected 3rd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. During his NHL career, Galchenyuk has played for several teams, including the Canadiens, Coyotes, Penguins, Wild, Senators, and Maple Leafs.
To date, Galchenyuk has scored 146 goals, 208 assists, and 354 points. He’s known for his skilled play, puck-handling, and scoring ability but has struggled with consistency at times.
He has also represented the United States in international competitions, earning a gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championships.
Daniel Brière
Daniel Brière is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player and current executive serving as the general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers. Brière was drafted in the first round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes and played for several NHL teams, including the Sabres, Flyers, Canadiens, and Avalanche.
He entered the NHL with the Coyotes and spent his first four seasons splitting time between the NHL and the AHL. Brière’s NHL career took off after he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he emerged as a star player. He led the Flyers in scoring during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs and nearly broke Wayne Gretzky’s record for points in a final series.
Brière concluded his NHL playing career with the Colorado Avalanche, retiring in 2015. He was the first NHL player to have an accent on his jersey while playing for the Canadiens.
Briere Key Stats
- 50+ Assist Season (Sabres)
Jim Dowd
Jim Dowd, an American former center, had a remarkable 17-season NHL career, playing for ten different teams. He made history by becoming the first New Jersey native to play for the New Jersey Devils, with whom he debuted in the 1991-92 season after a successful college career.
Dowd’s tenure with the Devils was highlighted by scoring the game-winning goal in Game 2 of the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals, helping them secure their first championship.
After leaving the Devils, Jim Dowd played for a series of NHL teams, including the Whalers, Canucks, Islanders, Flames, Predators, Oilers, Wild, Canadiens, Blackhawks, and Avalanche. His career was marked by various trades and signings, with significant playing time at the Oilers and nearly four seasons with the Wild.
Tomas Tatar
Tomas Tatar, a Slovak left winger, currently plays for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. He was drafted 60th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Tatar began his North American career with the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, and made his NHL debut in December 2010.
Tatar’s NHL career includes stints with several teams. After his initial seasons with the Red Wings, where he emerged as a key player and twice earned the title of NHL’s Second Star of the Week, he signed a four-year contract with them in 2017.
However, Tatar was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018, followed by a move to Montreal before the 2018–19 season. With the Canadiens, he set a career-high in points during the 2019–20 season. In 2021, he signed with the New Jersey Devils, contributing to their first playoff series win since 2012. In 2023, Tatar joined the Colorado Avalanche.
