8 Hockey Players who Played for Jets and Blackhawks
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 Winnipeg Jets and the Chicago Blackhawks.
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.
Dustin Byfuglien
Dustin Byfuglien was drafted 245th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2003 NHL Draft. He gained prominence with the Blackhawks, playing a crucial role in their 2010 Stanley Cup victory.
In 2010, he was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers, a franchise that relocated a year later, becoming the Winnipeg Jets. Byfuglien became a standout player for the Jets, earning several All-Star Game selections.
Over his career, he accumulated 177 goals and 348 assists in 869 regular-season games. His performance in the 2010 playoffs was a career highlight, scoring critical goals that aided the Blackhawks in their championship run.
*Byfuglien was the most popular pick for this square in a previous grid (Grid 48)
Byfuglien Key Stats
- All-Star (Thrashers, Jets)
- Stanley Cup Winner (Blackhawks)
Chris Chelios
Chris Chelios enjoyed an extraordinary career as a professional defenseman in the NHL from 1983 to 2010. His time in the league saw him donning jerseys for the Canadiens, Blackhawks, Red Wings, and Thrashers.
Notable in his trophy cabinet are three Stanley Cup championships, three Norris Trophies for being the league’s top defenseman, eleven All-Star Game selections, and a silver medal from the 2002 Olympic Games where he represented the United States.
Chelios set an NHL record with 26 seasons played and still performing at a high level until the age of 48. He holds the record for the most games played by a defenseman in the NHL at 1,651 and accumulated 948 points (185 goals, 763 assists) over his career. In 2013, Chelios was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Chelios Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Canadiens, Black Hawks, Red Wings, Thrashers)
- All-Star (Canadiens, Black Hawks, Red Wings)
- Cup Winner (Canadiens, Red Wings)
- 50+ Assists/Season (Canadiens, Black Hawks)
Andrew Ladd
Andrew Ladd, a Canadian-born player, had a solid career in the NHL. Ladd was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round, fourth overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He was part of their Stanley Cup-winning team in 2006, contributing to the team’s success as a young player.
Following his time with the Hurricanes, Ladd played for several other NHL teams. He was traded to the Blackhawks, where he won another Stanley Cup in 2010, further showcasing his ability to contribute significantly to championship-caliber teams. Ladd’s career also included stints with the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets and the New York Islanders.
Ladd’s role on his teams often extended beyond scoring, as he was also valued for his physical play and ability to play a two-way game.
Peter Bondra
Peter Bondra was selected by the Washington Capitals in the eighth round, 156th overall, in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. Spending the majority of his career with the Capitals, Bondra became one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the league.
Bondra’s best season came in 1997-1998 when he led the NHL with 52 goals, helping the Capitals reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history. A five-time All-Star, Bondra had two 50-goal seasons and nine 30-goal seasons over his illustrious career.
After 14 seasons with the Capitals, Bondra also played for the Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, and Chicago Blackhawks. He retired with 503 goals and 389 assists for 892 points in 1,081 regular-season games, placing him among the top goal-scorers of his generation.
Bondra Key Stats
- 500+ Career Goals (Capitals, Senators, Thrashers, Blackhawks)
- 40+ Goal Season (Capitals)
Johnny Oduya
Johnny Oduya was drafted 221st overall in the seventh round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals. A Swedish defenseman, Oduya had a 12-year NHL career, most notably with the Chicago Blackhawks.
With Chicago, he won the Stanley Cup twice, in the 2012–13 and 2014–15 seasons. Known for his skating ability and defensive skills, Oduya played a vital role in the Blackhawks’ championship teams.
Over his career, Oduya played in 850 regular-season NHL games, registering more than 40 goals and nearly 150 assists. He also represented Sweden in international competition, including winning a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
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)
Marian Hossa
Marián Hossa had a stellar NHL career spanning 19 seasons. He was drafted 12th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 1997 NHL Draft. Hossa’s initial success was with the Senators, where he displayed his scoring ability and skill set, quickly establishing himself as a premier forward in the league.
Hossa also played with the Penguins and the Red Wings, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals with both teams in consecutive years, although falling short on both times. However, Hossa’s pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship was realized when he joined the Blackhawks, helping the team secure three Stanley Cup championships.
Hossa was known for his two-way play, being equally adept in offensive and defensive situations, which earned him nominations for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the best defensive forward in the NHL. He was also named to the NHL All-Star Game on five occasions.
Hossa Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Winner (Blackhawks)
- 1000+ Career Points (Blackhawks, Senators, Thrashers, Penguins, Red Wings)
- 500+ Career Goals (Blackhawks, Senators, Thrashers, Penguins, Red Wings)
- 100+ Point Season (Thrashers)
- 40+ Goal Season (Senators, Thrashers, Red Wings)
- 50+ Assist Season (Thrashers)
Chris Kunitz
Chris Kunitz, born in Canada, is a retired winger with a solid NHL career. Kunitz played for several teams, including the Anaheim Ducks (where he won his first Stanley Cup in 2007), Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins (where he secured three more Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016, and 2017), Tampa Bay Lightning, and Chicago Blackhawks.
Kunitz’s journey to the NHL was unique as he was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2003. His professional rookie season was split between Anaheim and their AHL affiliate, the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks.
In 2009, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he significantly contributed to their Stanley Cup victories. Kunitz also represented Team Canada internationally, debuting at the 2008 World Hockey Championships and contributing to their silver medal win. He was also named to the 2014 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team.
Kunitz Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Championship (Ducks, Penguins)
