5 Hockey Players who Played for Maple Leafs and Devils
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 Toronto Maple Leafs and the New Jersey Devils.
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.
David Clarkson
David Clarkson began his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils in 2006 after going undrafted. His breakout season came in 2011-12 when he scored 30 goals for the Devils, proving he could be more than just a physical force on the ice. This performance helped the Devils reach the Stanley Cup Finals that year.
In 2013, Clarkson signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a move that came with high expectations given his recent success in New Jersey. However, his time in Toronto was marked by injuries and a struggle to replicate his earlier scoring prowess.
Clarkson’s contract was later traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but injuries continued to plague him, limiting his on-ice contributions. He officially ended his playing career in 2016.
Joe Nieuwendyk
Joe Nieuwendyk was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 2nd round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft with the 27th overall pick. He played his collegiate hockey at Cornell University before embarking on an illustrious NHL career.
Over his 20-season NHL career, Nieuwendyk played for the Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. He achieved great success, winning the Stanley Cup three times with three different teams: the Flames in 1989, the Stars in 1999, and the Devils in 2003.
Nieuwendyk was awarded the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 1987-88 and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs in 1999. He finished his career with 564 goals and 562 assists for 1,126 points and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.
Nieuwendyk Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Flames, Stars, Devils, Panthers, Maple Leafs)
- 1000+ Career Points (Flames, Stars, Devils, Panthers, Maple Leafs)
- 500+ Career Goals (Flames, Stars, Devils, Panthers, Maple Leafs)
- 40+ Goal Season (Flames)
- 50+ Assist Season (Flames)
Dave Andreychuk
Dave Andreychuk had a distinguished career in the NHL, known especially for his goal-scoring prowess and leadership. His career spanned over two decades, during which he played for several teams including the Sabres, Maple Leafs, Devils, Bruins, Avalanche and Lightning.
One of the highlights of his career came later in his tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he served as the team captain. Under his leadership, the Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2004. This victory was particularly special as it came towards the end of his career, and the Stanley Cup had eluded him until then.
Andreychuk retired as one of the highest-scoring left-wingers in NHL history, holding the record for most career power-play goals for some time. His longevity in the league, consistent scoring ability, and leadership on and off the ice were hallmarks of his career. In recognition of his achievements, Andreychuk was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Andreychuk Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Champion (Lightning)
- 1000+ Career Points (Sabres, Maple Leafs, Devils, Lightning, Bruins, Avalanche)
- 500+ Career Goals (Sabres, Maple Leafs, Devils, Lightning, Bruins, Avalanche)
- 40+ Goals in a Season (Sabres, Maple Leafs)
- 50+ Assists in a Season (Sabres)
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)
Peter Zezel
Peter Zezel was a skilled Canadian player, selected 41st overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut at the age of 19, scoring 61 points and setting a Flyers’ rookie record with 46 assists. His early career was marked by offensive prowess, and he was instrumental in the Flyers reaching the Stanley Cup Finals.
Zezel later joined the St. Louis Blues, where he had some of his best seasons, including a career-high 49 assists and 70 points in the 1988-89 season. Zezel’s career trajectory shifted after being traded to the Capitals in 1990 and subsequently to the Maple Leafs. His role evolved to a defensive specialist, particularly in Toronto.
Throughout his NHL career, Zezel played in 873 games, scoring 219 goals and 388 assists, totaling 607 points. He is remembered for his strong faceoff skills and versatile playing style, adapting from an offensive player to a defensive specialist over his career.
