7 Hockey Players who Played for Panthers 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 who have played for both the Florida Panthers 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.
Brian Campbell
Brian Campbell is a retired Canadian-born defenseman who played in the NHL from 1999 to 2017. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the sixth round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Campbell made his debut in the 1999–2000 season. He played for the Sabres until 2008 when he was traded to the San Jose Sharks.
Campbell then signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2008, where he was a key player in their 2010 Stanley Cup victory. He later played for the Florida Panthers, where he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2012, before returning to Chicago for his final season in 2016-17.
Campbell’s career statistics in the NHL total 1,082 games with 87 goals, 417 assists, and 504 points. He made four appearances in the NHL All-Star Game (2007, 2008, 2009, 2012) and was named to the NHL’s second All-Star team in 2008.
Campbell Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Championship (Blackhawks)
Sam Reinhart
Sam Reinhart was drafted 2nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and he quickly established himself as a consistent and reliable player. Since his debut, he was consistently one of Buffalo’s top scorers, showcasing his ability to both set up teammates and finish scoring chances himself.
During his tenure with the Sabres, Reinhart saw both individual success and team challenges, as the squad underwent various rebuilds and roster changes. Throughout these times, his steady performance and commitment to the organization made him a fan favorite.
In 2021, Reinhart was traded to the Florida Panthers. In his first season in Florida, he set career bests in goals (33), assists (49) and points (82). He also got his first taste of playoff hockey, something that eluded him in Buffalo.
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)
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)
Craig Anderson
Craig Anderson, an American goaltender, had a distinguished career in the NHL. Anderson played for multiple teams including the Blackhawks, Panthers, Avalanche, Senators, Capitals, and Sabres. He is particularly remembered for his time with the Ottawa Senators, where he played for 10 seasons.
Anderson’s career in the NHL included many achievements, including playing in over 700 games and securing over 300 wins, a milestone reached by only 39 NHL goaltenders. He represented the United States in international play as well.
One of the highlights of his career was being awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2017, which is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.
Anderson Key Stats
- 300+ Career Wins (Senators, Blackhawks, Panthers, Avalanche, Sabres, Capitals)
- 30+ Win Season (Avalanche, Senators)
Eric Staal
Eric Staal was selected 2nd overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2003 NHL Draft. Over his distinguished NHL career, Staal has become known for his leadership, scoring ability, and consistency.
During his time with the Hurricanes, he won the Stanley Cup in the 2005-2006 season, leading the team in scoring during the playoffs. He was named captain of the Hurricanes in 2010.
Staal has also played for the Rangers, Wild, Sabres, Canadiens and Panthers. Throughout his career, he’s been named an All-Star (2005-06), won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics and achieved the 1,000-point milestone, making him one of the top offensive players of his generation.
Staal Key Stats
- All-Star (Hurricanes)
- Stanley Cup Winner (Hurricanes)
- 1000+ Career Points (Hurricanes, Wild, Rangers, Sabres, Canadiens, Panthers)
- 40+ Goal Season (Hurricanes, Wild)
- 50+ Assist Season (Hurricanes)
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.
