7 Hockey Players who Played for Panthers and Islanders
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 Florida Panthers and the New York Islanders.
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.
Roberto Luongo
Roberto Luongo had an illustrious career in the NHL, marked by his exceptional skills and consistency. Drafted fourth overall by the New York Islanders in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Luongo’s career spanned several teams and included numerous accolades and milestones.
After one season in New York, Luongo moved to the Florida Panthers, where he established himself as one of the league’s top goaltenders. In 2006, Luongo was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, where he achieved significant success. He helped lead the Canucks to several playoff appearances, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011.
After returning to the Florida Panthers later in his career, Luongo continued to demonstrate his elite goaltending abilities until his retirement. His legacy includes numerous NHL records, multiple All-Star selections, and recognition as one of the best goaltenders of his generation.
Luongo Key Stats
- 300+ Career Wins (Panthers, Canucks, Islanders)
- 30+ Win Season (Panthers, Canucks)
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.
Olli Jokinen
Olli Jokinen began his NHL career when he was selected by the Los Angeles Kings as the 3rd overall pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. However, it was with the Panthers that Jokinen truly came into his own, serving as the team’s captain and becoming their all-time leading scorer during his tenure.
After Florida, Jokinen played for several other NHL teams, including the Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and St. Louis Blues. Throughout his career, he was known for his consistency in scoring, with multiple seasons registering over 50 points.
In addition to his NHL contributions, Jokinen had a distinguished international career representing Finland. He participated in various World Championships, World Cup of Hockey tournaments, and Olympic Games, often playing crucial roles for the Finnish national team.
Jokinen Key Stats
- 50+ Assist Season (Panthers)
Thomas Vanek
Thomas Vanek is a professional ice hockey player from Austria who, over his National Hockey League career, has been recognized for his offensive prowess and ability to score goals. He’s one of the most successful Austrian-born players to compete in the NHL.
Vanek began his NHL journey after being selected fifth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He made an immediate impact with the Sabres, becoming a consistent goal scorer and offensive threat. During his tenure with Buffalo, Vanek was a key player, frequently leading the team in points and goals.
After nearly a decade with the Sabres, Vanek went on to play for various NHL teams, including the New York Islanders, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings again.
Vanek Key Stats
- All-Star (Sabres)
- 40+ Goal Season (Sabres)
Victor Kozlov
Viktor Kozlov is a retired Russian center and current coach. He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the first round, sixth overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Sharks until 1997, when he was traded to the Panthers, where he had his most successful years, achieving career highs in assists and points during the 1999–2000 season.
Kozlov joined the New York Islanders as a free agent in 2006. In 2007, he signed with the Capitals and scored his first playoff goal for the team in 2009. His NHL career concluded with a three-year contract with Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in June 2009.
Kozlov retired from playing hockey in September 2015, joining Metallurg Magnitogorsk as an assistant coach. His NHL career totals include 897 games, with 198 goals, 339 assists, and 537 points.
Kozlov Key Stats
- 50+ Assist Season (Panthers)
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)
Todd Bertuzzi
Todd Bertuzzi was selected by the New York Islanders in the 1st round, 23rd overall, of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. The Canadian forward played for several teams during his NHL career, including the Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, and Detroit Red Wings.
Bertuzzi is best known for his time with the Canucks, where he formed part of the “West Coast Express” line alongside Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison. In the 2002–2003 season, he recorded a career-high 97 points, earning a spot on the NHL First All-Star Team.
While Bertuzzi’s career was marred by a 2004 on-ice incident that led to criminal and civil litigation, he was a key offensive player in his prime. He finished his NHL career with 770 points, including 314 goals and 456 assists.
Bertuzzi Key Stats
- All-Star (Canucks)
- 40+ Goal Season (Canucks)
- 50+ Assist Season (Canucks)
