Hockey Players who Played for Red Wings 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 Detroit Red Wings 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.
Dominik Hasek
Dominik Hasek was drafted 199th overall in the tenth round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. A Czech goaltender, Hasek is considered one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of the NHL.
Hasek’s NHL career took off when he joined the Buffalo Sabres, where he became a starter and earned the nickname “The Dominator.” During his time with the Sabres, he won the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player twice (1997, 1998) and the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender six times.
In 2002, he won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings, and he added another Cup with the Red Wings in 2008. Over his career, Hasek played in 735 regular-season games, posting a .922 save percentage and a 2.20 goals-against average.
Hasek Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Sabres, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Senators)
- All-Star (Sabres)
- Stanley Cup Winner (Red Wings)
- 300+ Career Wins (Sabres, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Senators)
- 30+ Win Season (Sabres, Red Wings)
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)
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.
David Legwand
David Legwand is a retired American forward who played 16 seasons in the NHL. Drafted 2nd overall in the 1998 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators, he was the first player ever drafted by the team. Legwand spent the majority of his career with the Predators, setting several franchise records and appearing in 956 games.
Legwand’s career saw him move to other teams towards its end.
In 2014, he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, concluding his 15-year tenure with Nashville. He then signed a two-year contract with the Ottawa Senators in 2014, contributing to their playoff run. In 2015, Legwand was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he played until announcing his retirement from professional hockey in 2016.
