5 Hockey Players who Played for Canadiens and Sabres
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 Buffalo Sabres.
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.
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)
Eric Staal
Eric Staal was selected 2nd overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2003 NHL Draft. Over his distinguished NHL career, Staal has become known for his leadership, scoring ability, and consistency.
During his time with the Hurricanes, he won the Stanley Cup in the 2005-2006 season, leading the team in scoring during the playoffs. He was named captain of the Hurricanes in 2010.
Staal has also played for the Rangers, Wild, Sabres, Canadiens and Panthers. Throughout his career, he’s been named an All-Star (2005-06), won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics and achieved the 1,000-point milestone, making him one of the top offensive players of his generation.
Staal Key Stats
- All-Star (Hurricanes)
- Stanley Cup Winner (Hurricanes)
- 1000+ Career Points (Hurricanes, Wild, Rangers, Sabres, Canadiens, Panthers)
- 40+ Goal Season (Hurricanes, Wild)
- 50+ Assist Season (Hurricanes)
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)
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.
