6 Hockey Players who Played for Ducks 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 Anaheim Ducks 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.
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.
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)
Kyle Palmieri
Kyle Palmieri is an American player known for his goal-scoring ability and work ethic on the ice. He was drafted 26th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2009 NHL Draft. He began his NHL career with the Ducks, and over the years, he developed into a reliable forward, showcasing his scoring touch and physical play.
In 2015, Palmieri was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where his career flourished as he became one of the team’s primary offensive weapons. During his time with the Devils, Palmieri had several seasons where he scored more than 20 goals, with his peak coming in the 2015-2016 season when he netted 30 goals.
In 2021, ahead of the trade deadline, Palmieri was traded alongside Travis Zajac to the New York Islanders, a move aimed at bolstering the Islanders’ offensive depth for a deep playoff run. Following the trade, Palmieri demonstrated his playoff prowess by scoring important goals during the Islanders’ 2021 playoff campaign.
Nate Thompson
Nate Thompson is an American former professional ice hockey forward with a diverse NHL career. Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the sixth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Thompson’s professional journey began with major junior hockey for the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds before moving to the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins.
Thompson’s NHL debut came in the 2006–07 season with the Bruins, but he spent the majority of that season in the AHL. In 2008 he was claimed off waivers by the Islanders and, despite a series of injuries, he scored his first NHL goal. In the 2009–10 season, Thompson moved to the Lightning, where he achieved career-highs in goals, assists, and points.
After his time with the Lightning, Thompson spent the next 8 seasons bouncing around quite a few different teams including the Ducks, Senators, Kings, Canadiens, Flyers, Jets, and finally, the Flyers again.
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.
