5 Hockey Players who Played for Canucks and Capitals
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 Washington Capitals.
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.
Braden Holtby
Braden Holtby is a Canadian goaltender, drafted 93rd overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2008 NHL Draft. Holtby quickly emerged as a top goaltender in the league, becoming the Capitals’ starting goaltender and playing a key role in their success.
He won the Vezina Trophy for the league’s best goaltender in the 2015-2016 season and was a vital part of the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup championship, earning iconic status with his clutch saves throughout the playoffs.
After a decade with the Capitals, Holtby signed with the Vancouver Canucks for the 2020-2021 season. His stint in Vancouver was short-lived, and he moved to the Dallas Stars for the 2021-2022 season where he finished his career.
Hotlby Key Stats
- 30+ Win Season (Capitals)
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)
Nate Schmidt
Nate Schmidt is an American-born player currently playing for the Winnipeg Jets. Starting his career as an undrafted player, Schmidt signed with the Washington Capitals in 2013 after playing for the University of Minnesota.
After four seasons with the Capitals, Schmidt was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. During his first season with the Golden Knights, he achieved career-high numbers in points and led the team in average playing time. Schmidt played a pivotal role in the Golden Knights’ remarkable inaugural season, which saw them reach the Stanley Cup Finals, only to lose to his former team, the Capitals.
Schmidt was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on October 12, 2020, for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. However, he expressed his unhappiness following the trade due to a lack of communication with Vegas management. A year later, on July 27, 2021, he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a third-round pick in 2022.
Peter Zezel
Peter Zezel was a skilled Canadian player, selected 41st overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut at the age of 19, scoring 61 points and setting a Flyers’ rookie record with 46 assists. His early career was marked by offensive prowess, and he was instrumental in the Flyers reaching the Stanley Cup Finals.
Zezel later joined the St. Louis Blues, where he had some of his best seasons, including a career-high 49 assists and 70 points in the 1988-89 season. Zezel’s career trajectory shifted after being traded to the Capitals in 1990 and subsequently to the Maple Leafs. His role evolved to a defensive specialist, particularly in Toronto.
Throughout his NHL career, Zezel played in 873 games, scoring 219 goals and 388 assists, totaling 607 points. He is remembered for his strong faceoff skills and versatile playing style, adapting from an offensive player to a defensive specialist over his career.
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.
