5 Hockey Players who Played for Canadiens and Red Wings
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 that have played for both the Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings.
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.
Chris Chelios
Chris Chelios enjoyed an extraordinary career as a professional defenseman in the NHL from 1983 to 2010. His time in the league saw him donning jerseys for the Canadiens, Blackhawks, Red Wings, and Thrashers.
Notable in his trophy cabinet are three Stanley Cup championships, three Norris Trophies for being the league’s top defenseman, eleven All-Star Game selections, and a silver medal from the 2002 Olympic Games where he represented the United States.
Chelios set an NHL record with 26 seasons played and still performing at a high level until the age of 48. He holds the record for the most games played by a defenseman in the NHL at 1,651 and accumulated 948 points (185 goals, 763 assists) over his career. In 2013, Chelios was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Chelios Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Canadiens, Black Hawks, Red Wings, Thrashers)
- All-Star (Canadiens, Black Hawks, Red Wings)
- Cup Winner (Canadiens, Red Wings)
- 50+ Assists/Season (Canadiens, Black Hawks)
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)
Jeff Petry
Jeff Petry was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, 45th overall, at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Petry started his NHL career with the Oilers, where he improved significantly in his second season, leading all Oilers defensemen in points with 25.
Petry played for the Oilers until 2015, when he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens. On July 16, 2022, Petry was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins along with forward Ryan Poehling in exchange for Mike Matheson and a 2023 fourth-round draft pick.
Despite generating 31 points in 61 games during his first season with the Penguins, there was a general sense of disappointment with his performance, as he missed time due to injury and the Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 years.
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.
