7 Hockey Players who Played for Canucks and Oilers
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 Edmonton Oilers.
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.
Mark Messier
Mark Messier was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the 3rd round, 48th overall, of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. Messier is one of the most decorated NHL players in history.
He is a six-time Stanley Cup champion—five with the Edmonton Oilers and one with the New York Rangers. Messier is a 15-time All-Star and won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player twice, in 1990 and 1992. His career stats are impressive, with 1,887 points, including 694 goals and 1,193 assists.
Known for his leadership, toughness, and clutch play, Messier is second only to Wayne Gretzky in playoff points and is one of the few players to have captained two different teams to Stanley Cup championships. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.
Messier Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Oilers, Rangers, Canucks)
- All-Star (Oilers, Rangers, Canucks)
- Stanley Cup Winner (Oilers, Rangers)
- 1000+ Career Points (Oilers, Rangers, Canucks)
- 500+ Career Goals (Oilers, Rangers, Canucks)
- 100+ Point Season (Oilers, Rangers)
- 40+ Goal Season (Oilers, Rangers)
- 50+ Assist Season (Oilers, Rangers)
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.
Derek Roy
Derek Roy is a Canadian former centre who had an illustrious NHL career with teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, and Edmonton Oilers. He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
Roy made his NHL debut with the Sabres in the 2003-04 season, following a point-per-game performance in the AHL with the Rochester Americans. His NHL career was marked by consistent performance, including scoring the fastest goal to start a playoff game in Sabres history.
However, his time with the Sabres was marred by a torn quad tendon in the 2010-11 season. Roy was later traded to the Dallas Stars and subsequently to the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators. His NHL career concluded with the Edmonton Oilers.
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.
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.
Jason Strudwick
Jason Strudwick, a retired Canadian defenceman, was drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round, 63rd overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Islanders in 1996. Strudwick’s career saw several team changes; he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 1998 and signed with the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent in 2002.
During the 2004-05 NHL lockout, Strudwick played for Ferencvárosi TC in Hungary, before returning to the NHL with the New York Rangers for the 2005-06 season. He started the 2006-07 season with HC Lugano in Switzerland and then rejoined the Rangers, where he played until 2008.
Strudwick signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 2008, re-signing with them for consecutive seasons until 2011.
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.
