6 Hockey Players who Played for Canucks and Blue Jackets
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 Vancouver Canucks and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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.
Mike Sillinger
Mike Sillinger is a player known for his journeyman career in the NHL. Over the course of his tenure in the league, Sillinger earned the unique distinction of playing for a record 12 different NHL teams, the most by any player in league history. This constant movement earned him the nickname of the “NHL’s most traded player.”
Sillinger started his NHL career after being drafted 11th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. While he showcased skill and versatility as a center, he frequently found himself on the move, transitioning between teams either through trades or free agency.
Despite the frequent relocations, Sillinger was consistently productive wherever he played. Over his 1,049 NHL games, he accumulated 548 points, proving his value as a reliable two-way forward.
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)
Erik Gudbranson
Erik Gudbranson is a Canadian defenseman, known for his physical style of play and his defensive abilities. He was drafted third overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2010 NHL Draft.
During his early career with the Panthers, Gudbranson established himself as a tough, physical defenseman, often taking on a role that emphasized defensive responsibilities over offensive production.
Over the years, Gudbranson has been a bit of a journeyman, playing for several teams including the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Sam Gagner
Sam Gagner, a Canadian-born player, has established himself as a versatile and skilled forward in the NHL. Drafted 6th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Gagner made an immediate impact in the league, showcasing his offensive talents and playmaking abilities.
He gained significant attention early in his career for tying an Oilers record with an eight-point game (four goals and four assists) in February 2012, a feat that underscored his offensive capabilities. Gagner’s skill set includes excellent vision on the ice, strong puck-handling skills, and the ability to play both center and wing effectively.
Over the course of his career, Gagner has played for several NHL teams, including the Coyotes, Flyers, Blue Jackets, Canucks, Red Wings, and a return stint with the Oilers. His role has evolved over the years from a primary scorer to a more versatile player capable of contributing in various situations, including special teams and in a leadership capacity.
Jussi Jokinen
Jussi Jokinen is a retired Finnish forward. Jokinen was selected by the Dallas Stars in the sixth round, 192nd overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2005–06 season with the Stars and quickly gained a reputation as a top shootout specialist in the league.
Jokinen’s NHL career spanned over 13 seasons, during which he played for nine teams. After his tenure with the Dallas Stars, he played for the Lightning, Hurricanes, Penguins, Panthers, Oilers, Kings, Blue Jackets, and Canucks.
His most productive season came in 2013–14 with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he scored 21 goals and totaled 57 points in 81 games. In the 2017–18 season, he became the fourth player in NHL history to play for four different teams in a single season.
Anson Carter
Anson Carter is a former Canadian right winger. He was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, 220th overall in the 10th round. Carter started his pro career in the 1996–97 season, initially playing for the Washington Capitals and their AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates, before being traded to the Boston Bruins in 1997.
Carter’s 10-year career included stops at 8 different teams. After several seasons with the Bruins, he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where he recorded career-highs in assists and points during his second season.
He was then traded to the New York Rangers in 2003, followed by a brief return to the Capitals and a subsequent trade to the LA Kings in 2004. In 2005, Carter signed with the Vancouver Canucks, leading the team in goals and earning the Canucks’ Most Exciting Player Award. He later played for the Blue Jackets and the Hurricanes.
