Hockey Players who Played for Jets 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 Winnipeg Jets 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.
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)
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.
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.
Vladislav Namestnikov
Vladislav Namestnikov is a Russian center currently playing for the Winnipeg Jets. He was drafted 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and has since played for several NHL teams, including the Lightning, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, and now the Jets.
Namestnikov’s NHL career began with the Lightning in the 2014-15 season, where he scored his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens. He recorded his first NHL hat-trick in 2016 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Throughout his career, he has been traded several times, including to the Rangers in 2018, the Senators in 2019, the Avalanche in 2020, and the Stars in 2022. He returned to the Lightning in 2022 before being traded to the Jets in 2023. His NHL career statistics include 630 games played, with 115 goals, 146 assists, and a total of 261 points.
