9 Hockey Players who Played for Sabres 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 that have played for both the Buffalo Sabres 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.
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)
Kyle Okposo
Kyle Okposo’s NHL career began with the New York Islanders, who drafted him 7th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He quickly made an impact, contributing offensively and becoming one of the team’s key forwards. His time with the Islanders was marked by his strong offensive play, physicality, and ability to create scoring opportunities.
In 2016, Okposo signed with the Buffalo Sabres, where he continued to demonstrate his offensive prowess. His contributions extended beyond the ice as well, as he became a valued leader and mentor for younger players within the organization.
Internationally, Okposo has represented the United States in various competitions, including the World Junior Championships and the IIHF World Championships, showcasing his talent on a broader stage.
Miroslav Satan
Miroslav Satan was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the NHL for various teams, including the Sabres, Islanders, Penguins, and Bruins. Perhaps his most productive years came during his time with the Sabres, where he consistently ranked among the team’s top scorers.
In addition to his club successes, Satan was a staple for the Slovak national team.
He represented Slovakia in numerous international tournaments, including the Olympics and the World Championships. His contributions helped Slovakia secure a gold medal in the 2002 World Championships, marking one of the country’s most significant achievements in ice hockey.
Satan Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Winner (Penguins)
- 40+ Goal Season (Sabres)
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.
Dwayne Roloson
Dwayne Roloson went undrafted in the NHL but began his professional career in the minor leagues. He eventually worked his way up and made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames in the mid-1990s.
Roloson’s journey in the NHL included stints with the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
One of the highlights of Roloson’s career was during the 2005-2006 season when he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. He played a pivotal role in backstopping the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations.
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)
Robin Lehner
Robin Lehner is a Swedish goaltender currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights. He was selected 46th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. Before joining the NHL, Lehner played in the J20 SuperElit league in Sweden and then in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
Lehner made his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators in 2010 and became a permanent fixture in their lineup by the 2013-14 season. He struggled with consistency during his time in Ottawa, and in 2015, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres. Despite solid save percentages, Lehner’s overall performance was limited due to a lack of offensive support from the team.
Lehner signed with the New York Islanders in 2018 and had an outstanding season, winning the William M. Jennings Trophy and the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. He later moved to the Chicago Blackhawks for the 2019-2020 season before joining the Vegas Golden Knights.
Lehner Key Stats
- Jennings Trophy (Islanders, Knights)
Pierre Turgeon
Pierre Turgeon was drafted first overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, Turgeon quickly made an impact and lived up to the expectations that come with being a top pick. Over his career, he established himself as one of the league’s premier centers, amassing over 1,300 points.
His time with the New York Islanders brought both career highlights and one of its most infamous moments. During the 1993 playoffs, after scoring a crucial goal, Turgeon was blindsided by a hit from Dale Hunter of the Washington Capitals, an incident that resulted in a significant suspension for Hunter.
In addition to his stints with the Sabres and Islanders, he also played for the Canadiens, Blues, Stars, and Avalanche. Turgeon’s legacy in the NHL is defined by his graceful play, impressive point totals, and the respect he garnered from both teammates and opponents alike. He remains one of the highest-scoring players of his era.
Turgeon Key Stats
- 500+ Career Goals (Sabres, Blues, Islanders, Canadiens, Stars, Avalanche)
- 100+ Point Season (Sabres, Islanders)
- 40+ Goal Season (Sabres, Islanders)
- 50+ Assist Season (Sabres, Islanders, Canadiens, Blues)
Brad Boyes
Brad Boyes was drafted 24th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks during the 2003-04 season after a trade. However, it was with the Boston Bruins and then the St. Louis Blues that Boyes found his stride.
In the 2007-08 season with the Blues, Boyes had his best offensive year, scoring 43 goals and adding 22 assists. His success in St. Louis continued the following season with a career-high 72 points.
After his time with the Blues, Boyes played for several other NHL teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He continued to be known for his shootout skills, and though his production declined in later years, he remained a valued veteran presence.
Boyes Key Stats
- 40+ Goal Season (Blues)
