6 Hockey Players who Played for Panthers and Red Wings
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 Detroit Red Wings.
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 Vernon
Mike Vernon was a Canadian goaltender, known for his key performances in pivotal playoff games. He was selected 56th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1981 NHL Draft. As the Flames’ mainstay in net, Vernon was instrumental in leading the team to its first Stanley Cup in 1989.
After a significant period with the Flames, Vernon also played for the Detroit Red Wings, where he won another Stanley Cup in 1997 and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. Later in his career, he had stints with the San Jose Sharks and Florida Panthers before returning to Calgary to end his NHL journey.
Vernon’s two Stanley Cup wins and consistent performances across different teams solidify his reputation as one of the premier goaltenders of his era.
Vernon Key Stats
- 300+ Career Wins (Flames, Red Wings, Sharks, Panthers)
- Stanley Cup Winner (Flames, Red Wings)
- 30+ Win Season (Flames, Sharks)
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.
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)
Dino Ciccarelli
Dino Ciccarelli was never drafted into the NHL, but he signed as a free agent with the Minnesota North Stars in 1980. Despite his undrafted status, Ciccarelli quickly made an impact in the league, becoming one of the premier goal-scorers of his era.
In his second season, Ciccarelli recorded 55 goals and 106 points, setting the stage for a successful career that included several seasons with 40 or more goals. He played with the North Stars (now Dallas), Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers over 19 seasons in the NHL.
Ciccarelli’s career totals include 608 goals and 592 assists for 1,200 points. He also made his mark in the playoffs, with 73 goals and 45 assists in 141 postseason appearances. His goal-scoring ability and fierce competitiveness earned him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame, with induction coming in 2010.
Ciccarelli Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Stars, Capitals, Red Wings, Lightning, Panthers)
- 1000+ Career Points (Stars, Capitals, Red Wings, Lightning, Panthers)
- 500+ Career Goals (Stars, Capitals, Red Wings, Lightning, Panthers)
- 100+ Point Season (Stars)
- 40+ Goal Season (Stars, Capitals, Red Wings)
- 50+ Assist Season (Stars, Red Wings)
Riley Sheahan
Riley Sheahan was drafted 21st overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and has played in the NHL for several teams including the Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, Buffalo Sabres, and Seattle Kraken.
Sheahan’s NHL career began with the Red Wings. In October 2017, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he completed the 2017-18 season with 32 points in 81 games. Subsequent trades led him to the Florida Panthers in 2019, where he scored 19 points in 82 games, and then to the Edmonton Oilers, contributing 15 points in 66 regular season games.
Sheahan continued his NHL journey with the Buffalo Sabres in 2020 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021, where he played a depth forward role and served as the team’s primary penalty killer. In August 2022, he returned to the Sabres on a one-year contract but was placed on unconditional waivers for refusing to return to their AHL affiliate.
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)
