6 Hockey Players who Played for Red Wings 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 Detroit Red Wings 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.
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.
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.
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)
Thomas Griess
Thomas Greiss was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the third round, 94th overall, in the 2004 NHL Draft. He spent his early career as a backup goaltender for the Sharks, establishing himself as a reliable option in net. After his time in San Jose, Greiss played for the Coyotes and the Penguins.
In 2015, Greiss signed with the New York Islanders, where he took on a more prominent role. He helped lead the team to the playoffs and became known for his calm demeanor and consistent play. Greiss later joined the Detroit Red Wings, continuing his career as a valuable veteran presence in the net.
Throughout his time in the NHL, Greiss is well-known for his technical proficiency and poise, providing steady goaltending for the teams he has played for. His career statistics reflect this, with a save percentage typically hovering around the .910 mark.
Austin Czarnik
Austin Czarnik, an American center, currently plays for the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. Czarnik went undrafted in the NHL but has played with several teams including the Bruins, Flames, Islanders, and Seattle Kraken.
Czarnik made his NHL debut with the Bruins in the 2016–17 season and scored his first NHL goal against Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers. After his tenure with the Bruins, he joined the Calgary Flames in 2018 on a two-year contract.
Czarnik later signed a two-year deal with the New York Islanders in 2020, before moving to the Seattle Kraken in the 2021–22 season, and finally signing a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings in 2022.
Nick Leddy
Nick Leddy, an American-born defenseman, has carved out a solid career in the NHL with his skating ability and offensive skills. Drafted 16th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Leddy has since played for several teams, showcasing his talents as a mobile and offensively-minded defenseman.
Leddy began his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he developed into a key player. His time in Chicago was highlighted by winning the Stanley Cup in 2013, contributing significantly to the Blackhawks’ defensive lineup with his speed, puck-moving abilities, and offensive contributions from the blue line.
After his tenure with Chicago, Leddy was traded to the New York Islanders, where he continued to play an important role as a top-pairing defenseman. His ability to quarterback a power play and contribute to the team’s offense from the back end was particularly strong during his time with the Islanders.
Leddy Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Champion (Blackhawks)
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)
