Hockey Players who Played for Sabres and Hurricanes
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 Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes.
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.
Nathan Gerbe
Nathan Gerbe is an American professional ice hockey player known for his agility and speed despite being one of the shorter players in the league (5’4″). He was drafted 142nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2005 NHL Draft.
He began his NHL career with the Sabres, where he played for several seasons and demonstrated his skill set with a combination of speed and scoring ability. His time with the Sabres included a few seasons where he was a regular in the lineup, contributing with important goals and assists.
In 2013, he moved to the Carolina Hurricanes where he continued to play in the NHL for several years. After a period playing in Switzerland and then the AHL, he worked his way back to the NHL, playing 3 seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Alexei Zhitnik
Alexei Zhitnik, a prominent defenseman, began his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings in 1992 after being drafted 81st overall in 1991. His career in the NHL spanned over 15 seasons across five teams, including a significant period with the Buffalo Sabres.
Zhitnik played an instrumental role in the Kings’ Stanley Cup Finals run in his rookie season and helped the Sabres win the Northeast Division in the 1996-97 season. He also led all defensemen in shorthanded goals in the 1997-98 season and was part of the Sabres’ team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998-99.
His career stats boast 1085 games played, 96 goals, 375 assists, and a total of 471 points, alongside 1268 penalty minutes. He also assisted on Wayne Gretzky’s 1000th goal, and on February 20, 2007, became the eighth defenseman born outside of North America, and the first born in the Soviet Union, to appear in 1,000 NHL games.
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)
Tom Barrasso
Tom Barrasso had a highly successful NHL career spanning 19 seasons. He was drafted 5th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1983 NHL Draft.
Barrasso’s NHL journey began with a sensational rookie season where he was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender and the Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year, an unprecedented achievement for an 18-year-old goaltender.
The majority of his career success came during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played from 1988 to 2000. He was instrumental in the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 & 1992. His excellent goaltending during this period helped the Penguins establish themselves as a dominant force in the NHL.
Barrasso Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Winner (Penguins)
- 300+ Career Wins (Penguins, Sabres, Senators, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Blues)
- 30+ Win Season (Penguins)
