10 Hockey Players who Played for Canucks 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 that have played for both the Vancouver Canucks 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.
Bo Horvat
Bo Horvat was drafted ninth overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He developed into a key player for the team with his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, along with his faceoff skills.
Throughout his career with the Canucks, Horvat has been recognized for his all-around play and leadership qualities. He was named captain of the team in October 2019, a testament to his impact on and off the ice. His performances have also earned him selections to the NHL All-Star Games.
In January of 2023, a trade sent Horvat to the New York Islanders where he has spent the last season and a half.
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.
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.
Roberto Luongo
Roberto Luongo had an illustrious career in the NHL, marked by his exceptional skills and consistency. Drafted fourth overall by the New York Islanders in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Luongo’s career spanned several teams and included numerous accolades and milestones.
After one season in New York, Luongo moved to the Florida Panthers, where he established himself as one of the league’s top goaltenders. In 2006, Luongo was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, where he achieved significant success. He helped lead the Canucks to several playoff appearances, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011.
After returning to the Florida Panthers later in his career, Luongo continued to demonstrate his elite goaltending abilities until his retirement. His legacy includes numerous NHL records, multiple All-Star selections, and recognition as one of the best goaltenders of his generation.
Luongo Key Stats
- 300+ Career Wins (Panthers, Canucks, Islanders)
- 30+ Win Season (Panthers, Canucks)
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.
Luca Sbisa
Luca Sbisa is an Italian-born Swiss former defenseman, who is currently a development coach for the San Jose Sharks. He played in the NHL for various teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Islanders, Winnipeg Jets, and Nashville Predators.
Sbisa was drafted 19th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2008. He was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2009. In 2014, he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks. Sbisa was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft but was not re-signed by them in 2018, leading to a contract with the New York Islanders.
He returned briefly to the Ducks in 2019 before being claimed by the Winnipeg Jets off waivers. Sbisa was signed by the Jets again in 2020 and later claimed by the Nashville Predators in 2021. Sbisa’s NHL career totals include 549 games, with 20 goals, 93 assists, and 113 points.
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)
Garth Snow
Garth Snow began his NHL goaltending career with the Quebec Nordiques after being drafted in the 6th round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. After two years in Quebec, he also played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Islanders.
Particularly during his time with the Flyers and Islanders, Snow established himself as a reliable netminder, often stepping up in crucial moments for his teams.
Following his playing days, Snow transitioned into the administrative side of hockey. In 2006, shortly after his retirement as a player, he was named the general manager of the New York Islanders, a position he held for over a decade.
Todd Bertuzzi
Todd Bertuzzi was selected by the New York Islanders in the 1st round, 23rd overall, of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. The Canadian forward played for several teams during his NHL career, including the Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, and Detroit Red Wings.
Bertuzzi is best known for his time with the Canucks, where he formed part of the “West Coast Express” line alongside Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison. In the 2002–2003 season, he recorded a career-high 97 points, earning a spot on the NHL First All-Star Team.
While Bertuzzi’s career was marred by a 2004 on-ice incident that led to criminal and civil litigation, he was a key offensive player in his prime. He finished his NHL career with 770 points, including 314 goals and 456 assists.
Bertuzzi Key Stats
- All-Star (Canucks)
- 40+ Goal Season (Canucks)
- 50+ Assist Season (Canucks)
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)
