5 Hockey Players who Played for Coyotes and Lightning
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 Arizona Coyotes and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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 Smith
Mike Smith’s NHL journey began with the Dallas Stars, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. After a few seasons developing and playing backup in Dallas, Smith was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008, where he assumed a larger role between the pipes.
In 2011, Smith signed with the Phoenix Coyotes (now the Arizona Coyotes), where he would enjoy some of his best years as a professional. In the 2011-2012 season, he played a pivotal role in leading the Coyotes to the Western Conference Finals, with standout performances throughout the playoffs.
After his tenure with the Coyotes, Smith joined the Calgary Flames in 2017 and later the Edmonton Oilers in 2019. With the Oilers, he showcased his veteran presence, helping stabilize the team’s goaltending situation.
Smith Key Stats
- 30+ Win Season (Coyotes)
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.
Sean Burke
Sean Burke had a long and distinguished career as a goaltender in the NHL. Burke was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft.
He made his NHL debut during the 1987-1988 season with the Devils. Over the course of his career, he played for several NHL teams, including the New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Phoenix Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Los Angeles Kings.
One of the highlights of Burke’s career was his role as the starting goaltender for Team Canada in various international competitions, including the Winter Olympics and the World Cup of Hockey. He was known for his strong play in high-pressure situations and represented Canada with distinction.
Burke Key Stats
- All-Star (Devils, Coyotes)
- 30+ Win Season (Coyotes)
Riley Nash
Riley Nash, a Canadian forward, began his NHL career after being drafted 21st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007. He was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2010, where he signed a three-year entry-level contract and became one of five rookies in franchise history to reach the 30-point mark.
Nash later joined the Boston Bruins in 2016, contributing to their playoff qualification, and then signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2018, playing a crucial role until an injury in the playoffs.
Nash’s career saw him moving through several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Arizona Coyotes, often through trades and waivers. His journey led him to sign a two-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers in 2023, marking another chapter in his professional hockey career.
Luke Schenn
Luke Schenn, a Canadian defenseman, has had a solid NHL career. He began his journey with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who selected him fifth overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Schenn quickly made an impact, earning a spot on the NHL’s All-Rookie Team following his first season.
His time with the Maple Leafs lasted until 2012, when he was traded to the Flyers, giving him the unique opportunity to play alongside his younger brother, Brayden Schenn. Schenn’s career continued with several team changes including the Kings, Coyotes, Ducks, Canucks and Lightning (where he won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021).
In the 2022-23 season, Schenn became the NHL’s all-time leader in hits by a defenseman. Despite his defensive prowess, he was traded back to the Toronto Maple Leafs before the trade deadline. Following this season, as a free agent, he signed a three-year contract with the Nashville Predators in July 2023, continuing his impactful NHL career.
