6 Hockey Players who Played for Canadiens and Islanders
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 New York Islanders.
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.
Mathieu Schneider
Mathieu Schneider began his NHL journey after being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He would go on to play for the Canadiens for several seasons, even being a part of their Stanley Cup-winning squad in 1993.
His NHL career spanned over two decades, during which he played for multiple teams (10 in total), including the Islanders, Maple Leafs, Rangers, Kings, Red Wings, Ducks, Thrashers, Canucks, and Coyotes.
Offensively skilled, Schneider often posted impressive point totals for a defenseman, culminating in over 700 points throughout his NHL career.
Thomas Vanek
Thomas Vanek is a professional ice hockey player from Austria who, over his National Hockey League career, has been recognized for his offensive prowess and ability to score goals. He’s one of the most successful Austrian-born players to compete in the NHL.
Vanek began his NHL journey after being selected fifth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He made an immediate impact with the Sabres, becoming a consistent goal scorer and offensive threat. During his tenure with Buffalo, Vanek was a key player, frequently leading the team in points and goals.
After nearly a decade with the Sabres, Vanek went on to play for various NHL teams, including the New York Islanders, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings again.
Vanek Key Stats
- All-Star (Sabres)
- 40+ Goal Season (Sabres)
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)
Jaroslav Halak
Jaroslav Halak is a goaltender known for his calm demeanor and skill between the pipes. He was drafted 271st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2003 NHL Draft.
Halak started his NHL career with the Canadiens, and during his time there, he had a number of standout performances, particularly in the 2010 playoffs, where he played a crucial role in the team’s surprising deep run, helping them to upset favorites like the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins with his outstanding goaltending.
In 2010, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues, where he continued to showcase his talent as a starting goaltender. His journey in the NHL has also seen him tending the goal for the New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers.
Halak Key Stats
- 30+ Win Season (Islanders)
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.
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.
