5 Hockey Players who Played for Ducks and Wild
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 Anaheim Ducks and the Minnesota Wild.
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.
John Klingberg
John Klingberg was selected 131st overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Even while playing as a defenseman, Klingberg quickly became known for his offensive capabilities, especially his playmaking and puck-moving skills. He made his NHL debut during the 2014-2015 season and made an immediate impact, recording 40 points in 65 games.
Klingberg has been named an NHL All-Star and has been a key player for the Stars throughout his career. During the 2017-2018 season, he recorded a career-high 67 points, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly to the offense.
Klingberg Key Stats
- All-Star (Stars)
- 50+ Assist Season (Stars)
Ilya Bryzgalov
Ilya Bryzgalov was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, 44th overall. Bryzgalov played for several teams throughout his career, including the Ducks, Coyotes, Flyers, Oilers, and Wild. In total, his professional journey in the NHL spanned over 12 years.
Bryzgalov’s career was also highlighted by numerous awards and achievements. His biggest team accomplishment was winning the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in the 2006–07 season. On the international stage, he was instrumental in Russia’s success, earning a bronze medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
His individual prowess was acknowledged in the 2009–10 NHL season, where he was the runner-up for the Vezina Trophy and a top-five finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy. Beyond his on-ice achievements, Bryzgalov was known for his unique personality, making him one of the league’s more memorable characters.
Bryzgalov Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Championship (Coyotes)
- 30+ Wins Season (Coyotes, Flyers)
Dany Heatley
Dany Heatley is a Canadian-born winger. He was drafted second overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft and made his mark by winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2002.
Heatley’s career with the Thrashers was marred by a tragic car crash in 2003, which resulted in the death of his teammate Dan Snyder and left Heatley seriously injured. Despite the setback, he returned to the ice and continued his career.
His time with the Senators was notable for reaching the 50-goal mark twice consecutively, a feat not achieved since Pavel Bure in 1999-2000. Over his NHL career, Heatley was selected for the NHL All-Star Game five times, playing in four of them. In his first All-Star Game appearance in 2003, he scored four goals and was named the All-Star Game MVP.
Heatly Key Stats
- 100+ Point Season (Senators)
- 40+ Goal Season (Senators, Thrashers*)
- 50+ Assist Season (Senators)
*The Atlanta Thrashers are now the Winnipeg Jets.
Sean O’Donnell
Sean O’Donnell is a Canadian former defenseman who had a distinguished NHL career spanning 17 seasons. Drafted 123rd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, O’Donnell began his NHL journey with the Los Angeles Kings, making his debut in the 1994–95 season and becoming a full-time NHL player thereafter.
O’Donnell’s career saw him play for several teams, including the Minnesota Wild, where he was the franchise’s first captain, the New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes, and the Anaheim Ducks, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2007.
After another season with the Ducks and a return to the Kings, he reached the milestone of 1,000 NHL games. O’Donnell concluded his career with stints at the Philadelphia Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks, retiring in 2013 after an illustrious and lengthy tenure in the league.
Nicolas Deslauriers
Nicolas Deslauriers, a Canadian left winger, currently plays for the Philadelphia Flyers. He was drafted in the third round, 84th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Deslauriers began his pro career with their AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs.
In 2014, Deslauriers was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he made his NHL debut. He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 2017, contributing significantly to the team and earning the Molson Cup honour in December 2017.
In 2019, Deslauriers joined the Anaheim Ducks, where he set a record for the fastest hat trick in team history. Before the 2022 trade deadline, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild and then signed a four-year, $7 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in July 2022.
