6 Hockey Players who Played for Blues and Avalanche
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 St Louis Blues and the Colorado Avalanche.
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.
Paul Stastny
Paul Stastny, a Canadian-born center, had an illustrious 17-season career in the NHL. He played for the Avalanche, Blues, Jets, Golden Knights, and Carolina Hurricanes. His rookie NHL season with the Avalanche in 2006-07 was remarkable, scoring 78 points in 82 games and earning a Calder Memorial Trophy nomination.
In 2007-08, he was named to his first NHL All-Star Game but missed playing due to an appendectomy.
Stastny played in his 1,000th career NHL game in 2021, surpassing his father’s record, and in the 2021-22 season, he was a key veteran presence for the Jets, scoring his 500th NHL career assist.
Statsny Key Stats
- 50+ Assist Season (Avalanche)
Ryan O’Reilly
Ryan O’Reilly was drafted 33rd overall in the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, where he started to build a reputation as a reliable and smart player, quickly becoming a key figure in the team’s lineup.
In 2015, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he continued to showcase his skill and hockey IQ. His individual skill was recognized when he was awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in 2014.
However, it was after his trade to the St. Louis Blues in 2018 that he truly flourished, playing a central role in the team’s historic run to win their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2019. His performance throughout the playoffs was rewarded with the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs.
O’Reilly Key Stats
- All-Star (Sabres, Blues)
- Stanley Cup Winner (Blues)
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)
Paul Kariya
Paul Kariya was selected by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim with the 4th overall pick in the 1993 NHL Draft.
During his time with the Ducks, he became one of the most skilled forwards in the league, winning the Lady Byng Trophy (awarded for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct) multiple times. He also served as the team’s captain and helped lead the Ducks to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 2002-2003 season.
Kariya later played for the Avalanche, Predators, and Blues, continuing to be a productive and exciting player to watch. Over his 15-season NHL career, he recorded 989 points in 989 games. His combination of speed, skill, and intelligence made him one of the premier players of his era, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017.
Kariya Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Ducks, Blues, Predators, Avalanche)
- All-Star (Ducks)
- 100+ Point Season (Ducks)
- 40+ Goal Season (Ducks)
- 50+ Assist Season (Ducks, Predators)
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)
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)
