6 Hockey Players who Played for Lightning and Blue Jackets
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 Tampa Bay Lightning and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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.
David Savard
David Savard was selected in the 4th round, 94th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2009 NHL Draft. Savard played a crucial defensive role for the Blue Jackets over his tenure with the team, showing strong physical play and excellent shot-blocking abilities.
In April 2021, Savard was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he immediately contributed to their defense en route to winning the Stanley Cup in the 2020-2021 season. His veteran presence, physicality, and defensive acumen were highly valued by the Lightning as they made their successful run for the championship.
Savard’s career represents a story of consistent development and ultimate triumph at the NHL’s highest level.
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.
Jonathan Marchessault
Jonathan Marchessault is a Canadian forward currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL. He was not selected in any NHL Entry Draft and signed his first professional contract with the AHL’s Connecticut Whale in 2011. Over his career, he has played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers.
Marchessault was selected by the Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft and played a pivotal role in their success, including helping them reach the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season. His outstanding playoff performance included scoring critical goals and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player.
His career statistics (as of this writing) include 556 NHL regular season games, with 188 goals, 230 assists, and a total of 418 points.
Marchessault Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Champion (Golden Knights)
- Smythe Trophy (Golden Knights)
Ian Cole
Ian Cole is an American defenseman currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks. Cole’s pro career began after being drafted 18th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He played college hockey at Notre Dame, where he helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament 3 times, including their first Frozen Four appearance in 2008.
Cole’s NHL career has been marked by several team changes. He made his NHL debut with the Blues in 2010, and in 2015, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the Penguins, Cole achieved significant success, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
His tenure with the Penguins was followed by stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and finally, the Vancouver Canucks. Cole’s NHL career statistics to date include 32 goals and 150 assists in 748 regular season games.
Cole Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Champion (Penguins)
Jussi Jokinen
Jussi Jokinen is a retired Finnish forward. Jokinen was selected by the Dallas Stars in the sixth round, 192nd overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2005–06 season with the Stars and quickly gained a reputation as a top shootout specialist in the league.
Jokinen’s NHL career spanned over 13 seasons, during which he played for nine teams. After his tenure with the Dallas Stars, he played for the Lightning, Hurricanes, Penguins, Panthers, Oilers, Kings, Blue Jackets, and Canucks.
His most productive season came in 2013–14 with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he scored 21 goals and totaled 57 points in 81 games. In the 2017–18 season, he became the fourth player in NHL history to play for four different teams in a single season.
