7 Hockey Players who Played for Penguins and Blue Jackets
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 Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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.
Jan Hrdina
Jan Hrdina was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round, 128th overall, in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. Born in Czechoslovakia, Hrdina played a solid and dependable two-way game.
He spent the majority of his NHL career with the Penguins, where he consistently contributed as a playmaker and penalty-killer. He also had stints with the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets. Hrdina’s most productive season came in the 2001-2002 campaign when he recorded 57 points for the Penguins.
After his NHL career, Hrdina continued his professional career in Europe, playing in various leagues, including the Swiss National League and Czech Extraliga. His NHL career totals included 297 points in 513 regular-season games.
Ian Cole
Ian Cole is an American defenseman currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks. Cole’s pro career began after being drafted 18th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He played college hockey at Notre Dame, where he helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament 3 times, including their first Frozen Four appearance in 2008.
Cole’s NHL career has been marked by several team changes. He made his NHL debut with the Blues in 2010, and in 2015, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the Penguins, Cole achieved significant success, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
His tenure with the Penguins was followed by stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and finally, the Vancouver Canucks. Cole’s NHL career statistics to date include 32 goals and 150 assists in 748 regular season games.
Cole Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Champion (Penguins)
Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson was selected 3rd overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2005 NHL Draft. He later made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2006-2007 season. Known for his strong skating ability and physical play, Johnson became a steady presence on the blueline for various teams throughout his career.
He played for the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Rangers, accumulating points while contributing significantly in defensive roles.
His play has earned him recognition, including the opportunity to represent the United States in various international tournaments. Johnson’s play is characterized by a blend of offensive skill and defensive responsibility, making him a valuable asset to his teams over the years.
Erik Gudbranson
Erik Gudbranson is a Canadian defenseman, known for his physical style of play and his defensive abilities. He was drafted third overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2010 NHL Draft.
During his early career with the Panthers, Gudbranson established himself as a tough, physical defenseman, often taking on a role that emphasized defensive responsibilities over offensive production.
Over the years, Gudbranson has been a bit of a journeyman, playing for several teams including the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Jeff Carter
Jeff Carter is a player with a reputation for his goal-scoring prowess and versatility on the ice, capable of playing both as a center and a winger. He was drafted 11th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2003 NHL Draft.
Carter enjoyed a successful stint with the Flyers, where he emerged as a prolific goal scorer. His time with the Flyers included a 46-goal campaign in the 2008-2009 season. In 2011, he was traded to the Blue Jackets but his time there was short-lived as he soon found himself traded to the Los Angeles Kings.
With the Kings, Carter’s career reached new heights as he played an instrumental role in helping the team secure Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014, reinforcing his reputation as a top player in high-pressure situations.
Carter Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Winner (Kings)
- 40+ Goal Season (Flyers)
Jussi Jokinen
Jussi Jokinen is a retired Finnish forward. Jokinen was selected by the Dallas Stars in the sixth round, 192nd overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2005–06 season with the Stars and quickly gained a reputation as a top shootout specialist in the league.
Jokinen’s NHL career spanned over 13 seasons, during which he played for nine teams. After his tenure with the Dallas Stars, he played for the Lightning, Hurricanes, Penguins, Panthers, Oilers, Kings, Blue Jackets, and Canucks.
His most productive season came in 2013–14 with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he scored 21 goals and totaled 57 points in 81 games. In the 2017–18 season, he became the fourth player in NHL history to play for four different teams in a single season.
Blake Comeau
Blake Comeau is a Canadian right winger, currently an unrestricted free agent in the NHL. Selected 47th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Comeau played five seasons with the Islanders.
Comeau’s NHL journey saw him moving to various teams. In July 2015, Comeau signed a three-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche, where he became a vital part of their penalty-killing unit. During his time with the Avalanche, he achieved a career-best of 24 assists for 36 points in 81 games.
Comeau later joined the Dallas Stars on a three-year, $7.2 million contract in July 2018. He was made an alternate captain in February 2020 and re-signed with the Stars for the 2021-22 season.
