5 Hockey Players who Played for Maple Leafs and Sabres
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 that have played for both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Buffalo Sabres.
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.
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)
Brad Boyes
Brad Boyes was drafted 24th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks during the 2003-04 season after a trade. However, it was with the Boston Bruins and then the St. Louis Blues that Boyes found his stride.
In the 2007-08 season with the Blues, Boyes had his best offensive year, scoring 43 goals and adding 22 assists. His success in St. Louis continued the following season with a career-high 72 points.
After his time with the Blues, Boyes played for several other NHL teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He continued to be known for his shootout skills, and though his production declined in later years, he remained a valued veteran presence.
Boyes Key Stats
- 40+ Goal Season (Blues)
Ryan O’Reilly
Ryan O’Reilly was drafted 33rd overall in the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, where he started to build a reputation as a reliable and smart player, quickly becoming a key figure in the team’s lineup.
In 2015, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he continued to showcase his skill and hockey IQ. His individual skill was recognized when he was awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in 2014.
However, it was after his trade to the St. Louis Blues in 2018 that he truly flourished, playing a central role in the team’s historic run to win their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2019. His performance throughout the playoffs was rewarded with the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs.
O’Reilly Key Stats
- All-Star (Sabres, Blues)
- Stanley Cup Winner (Blues)
Tom Barrasso
Tom Barrasso had a highly successful NHL career spanning 19 seasons. He was drafted 5th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1983 NHL Draft.
Barrasso’s NHL journey began with a sensational rookie season where he was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender and the Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year, an unprecedented achievement for an 18-year-old goaltender.
The majority of his career success came during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played from 1988 to 2000. He was instrumental in the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 & 1992. His excellent goaltending during this period helped the Penguins establish themselves as a dominant force in the NHL.
Barrasso Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Winner (Penguins)
- 300+ Career Wins (Penguins, Sabres, Senators, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Blues)
- 30+ Win Season (Penguins)
