6 Hockey Players who Played for Capitals and Devils
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 Washington Capitals and the New Jersey Devils.
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.
Jaromir Jagr
Jaromír Jagr was drafted 5th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, Jagr swiftly made an impression. Alongside center Mario Lemieux, Jagr played a pivotal role in back-to-back Stanley Cup championships for the Penguins in 1991 and 1992. His time with Pittsburgh also included multiple scoring titles and an MVP.
Jagr’s NHL journey included playing for several teams such as the Capitals, Rangers, Flyers, Stars, Bruins, Devils, Panthers, and Flames. Across these stints, his scoring touch and on-ice intelligence never waned. Jagr finished his career ranked second in NHL all-time points (1921), behind only Wayne Gretzky.
But Jagr’s contributions to the game extend beyond the NHL. He has been an essential figure for the Czech national team, securing a gold medal in the 1998 Winter Olympics and multiple World Championships.
Jagr Key Stats
- MVP (Penguins)
- All-Star (Penguins, Rangers)
- 500+ Career Goals (Penguins, Rangers, Capitals, Panthers, Devils, Flyers, Bruins, Stars, Flames)
- 100+ Point Season (Penguins, Rangers)
- 40+ Goal Season (Penguins, Rangers)
- 50+ Assist Season (Penguins, Rangers)
Ilya Kovalchuk
Ilya Kovalchuk was a highly touted prospect leading up to the 2001 NHL Draft, where he was selected first overall by the Atlanta Thrashers. During his time with the Thrashers, Kovalchuk quickly became one of the league’s premier goal-scorers, notching several 40-plus goal seasons, including a 52-goal campaign in 2005-2006.
In 2010, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where he continued his goal-scoring exploits, helping lead the team to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2012.
After spending a few years playing in Russia, Kovalchuk made an NHL comeback in 2018, signing with the Los Angeles Kings. His return to the NHL included stints with the Kings, Montreal Canadiens, and Washington Capitals, but he could not replicate the kind of success he had during his prime years.
Kovalchuk Key Stats
- All-Star (Thrashers, Devils)
- 40+ Goal Season (Thrashers)
Phil Housley
Phil Housley was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. Housley had an extensive career, playing for several teams including the Jets, Blues, Flames, Devils, Capitals, Blackhawks, and Maple Leafs. He is the second-leading scorer among American-born players with 1,232 points (338 goals and 894 assists).
Housley never won the Stanley Cup, coming closest with the Capitals in 1998 when they were swept in the Stanley Cup Finals by the Detroit Red Wings. At the time of his retirement, he had played more NHL games without winning the Stanley Cup than any other player in NHL history.
Housley was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004, the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame in 2007, and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015. His legacy in ice hockey, particularly his scoring prowess as a defenseman, has left a lasting impact on the sport.
Housley Key Stats
- 1000+ Career Points (Sabres, Flames, Jets, Capitals, Blackhawks, Blues, Devils, Maple Leafs)
- 50+ Assists in a Season (Sabres, Jets)
Marcus Johansson
Marcus Johansson is a Swedish forward currently playing for the Minnesota Wild. He was selected by the Washington Capitals in the first round, 24th overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Johansson signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Capitals in 2010 and made his NHL debut in the 2010-11 season. He played for the Capitals until 2017, when he was traded to the New Jersey Devils. In February 2019, he was traded to the Boston Bruins, with whom he reached the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals.
Johansson then signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres in July 2019. In September 2020, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild, and in August 2021, he signed a contract with the Seattle Kraken. Johansson returned to the Capitals in March 2022 before being traded back to the Wild in February 2023.
Victor Kozlov
Viktor Kozlov is a retired Russian center and current coach. He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the first round, sixth overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Sharks until 1997, when he was traded to the Panthers, where he had his most successful years, achieving career highs in assists and points during the 1999–2000 season.
Kozlov joined the New York Islanders as a free agent in 2006. In 2007, he signed with the Capitals and scored his first playoff goal for the team in 2009. His NHL career concluded with a three-year contract with Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in June 2009.
Kozlov retired from playing hockey in September 2015, joining Metallurg Magnitogorsk as an assistant coach. His NHL career totals include 897 games, with 198 goals, 339 assists, and 537 points.
Kozlov Key Stats
- 50+ Assist Season (Panthers)
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.
