5 Hockey Players who Played for Rangers 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 New York Rangers 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.
Mathieu Schneider
Mathieu Schneider began his NHL journey after being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He would go on to play for the Canadiens for several seasons, even being a part of their Stanley Cup-winning squad in 1993.
His NHL career spanned over two decades, during which he played for multiple teams (10 in total), including the Islanders, Maple Leafs, Rangers, Kings, Red Wings, Ducks, Thrashers, Canucks, and Coyotes.
Offensively skilled, Schneider often posted impressive point totals for a defenseman, culminating in over 700 points throughout his NHL career.
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)
Pat LaFontaine
Pat LaFontaine was drafted 3rd overall by the New York Islanders in the 1983 NHL Draft. During his career, LaFontaine played for the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and the New York Rangers.
He was particularly successful during his time with the Islanders and the Sabres, where he was known for his goal-scoring ability and playmaking skills. During the 1992-1993 season with the Sabres, he had a remarkable season, recording 148 points.
LaFontaine was selected to the NHL First All-Star Team in 1993 and played in five NHL All-Star Games. Unfortunately, his career was plagued with injuries, including several concussions, which eventually forced him to retire prematurely in 1998. Despite the shortened career, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.
LaFontaine Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Islanders, Sabres, Rangers)
- All-Star (Islanders, Sabres)
- 100+ Point Season (Islanders, Sabres)
- 40+ Goal Season (Islanders, Sabres)
- 50+ Assist Season (Islanders, Sabres)
Jaroslav Halak
Jaroslav Halak is a goaltender known for his calm demeanor and skill between the pipes. He was drafted 271st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2003 NHL Draft.
Halak started his NHL career with the Canadiens, and during his time there, he had a number of standout performances, particularly in the 2010 playoffs, where he played a crucial role in the team’s surprising deep run, helping them to upset favorites like the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins with his outstanding goaltending.
In 2010, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues, where he continued to showcase his talent as a starting goaltender. His journey in the NHL has also seen him tending the goal for the New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers.
Halak Key Stats
- 30+ Win Season (Islanders)
Jason Strudwick
Jason Strudwick, a retired Canadian defenceman, was drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round, 63rd overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Islanders in 1996. Strudwick’s career saw several team changes; he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 1998 and signed with the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent in 2002.
During the 2004-05 NHL lockout, Strudwick played for Ferencvárosi TC in Hungary, before returning to the NHL with the New York Rangers for the 2005-06 season. He started the 2006-07 season with HC Lugano in Switzerland and then rejoined the Rangers, where he played until 2008.
Strudwick signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 2008, re-signing with them for consecutive seasons until 2011.
