6 Hockey Players who Played for Canadiens and Flyers
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 Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers.
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.
John LeClair
John LeClair was selected in the 2nd round, 33rd overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.
LeClair is best known for his time with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he became a star player. Playing on the famous “Legion of Doom” line with Eric Lindros and Mikael Renberg, he was one of the league’s premier power forwards in the 1990s.
His accolades include being named to five NHL All-Star Games, winning a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1993, and receiving the NHL First All-Star Team honors in 1995, 1998, and 1999.
LeClair Key Stats
- All-Star (Canadiens, Flyers)
- Stanley Cup Winner (Canadiens)
- 40+ Goal Season (Flyers)
Zarley Zalapski
Zarley Zalapski was drafted fourth overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. Over the course of his NHL career, he played for several teams including the Penguins, Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, and Philadelphia Flyers.
Known for his offensive contributions from the blue line, Zalapski had several seasons where he posted impressive point totals, especially during his time with the Hartford Whalers.
In addition to his NHL experience, Zalapski had a significant international career. He represented Canada in various tournaments, most notably at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, where he was part of the Canadian national team.
Nate Thompson
Nate Thompson is an American former professional ice hockey forward with a diverse NHL career. Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the sixth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Thompson’s professional journey began with major junior hockey for the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds before moving to the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins.
Thompson’s NHL debut came in the 2006–07 season with the Bruins, but he spent the majority of that season in the AHL. In 2008 he was claimed off waivers by the Islanders and, despite a series of injuries, he scored his first NHL goal. In the 2009–10 season, Thompson moved to the Lightning, where he achieved career-highs in goals, assists, and points.
After his time with the Lightning, Thompson spent the next 8 seasons bouncing around quite a few different teams including the Ducks, Senators, Kings, Canadiens, Flyers, Jets, and finally, the Flyers again.
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.
Nicolas Deslauriers
Nicolas Deslauriers, a Canadian left winger, currently plays for the Philadelphia Flyers. He was drafted in the third round, 84th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Deslauriers began his pro career with their AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs.
In 2014, Deslauriers was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he made his NHL debut. He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 2017, contributing significantly to the team and earning the Molson Cup honour in December 2017.
In 2019, Deslauriers joined the Anaheim Ducks, where he set a record for the fastest hat trick in team history. Before the 2022 trade deadline, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild and then signed a four-year, $7 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in July 2022.
