6 Hockey Players who Played for Sharks and Wild
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 San Jose Sharks and the Minnesota Wild.
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.
Brent Burns
Brent Burns was selected 20th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Primarily known for his time with the San Jose Sharks, Burns has been a versatile player, known for playing both as a defenseman and a right winger.
Throughout his career, Burns has been named an NHL All-Star multiple times. His standout season came in 2016-2017, when he scored 29 goals and 76 points, earning the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league’s best defenseman.
To date, Burns has recorded over 800 points including 245 goals and 593 assists. He’s also been a key player in the Sharks’ playoff runs, including their trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2016.
Burns Key Stats
- All-Star (Sharks)
- 50+ Assist Season (Sharks)
Owen Nolan
Owen Nolan was selected first overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He played with the Nordiques before the franchise relocated, becoming the Colorado Avalanche.
However, Nolan is perhaps best remembered for his tenure with the San Jose Sharks, where he served as team captain and became one of the franchise’s key players during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Nolan also suited up for the Maple Leafs, Coyotes, Flames, and the Wild. Throughout his career, he registered over 400 goals and 850 points. On the international stage, Nolan represented his native Canada, and he had the honor of winning a gold medal with Team Canada in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
Nolan Key Stats
- 40+ Goal Season (Nordiques, Sharks)
Devan Dubnyk
Devan Dubnyk was drafted 14th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, marking the start of his NHL career. Over his NHL career, Dubnyk played for several teams, including the Oilers, Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, and Colorado Avalanche.
Dubnyk’s most notable achievements came during his time with the Minnesota Wild. He was traded to the Wild in 2015 and immediately became the team’s starter, setting a franchise record with 38 consecutive starts and helping the team clinch a playoff berth.
His performance in the 2014-15 season earned him a nomination for the Vezina Trophy and the Bill Masterton Trophy, the latter of which he won for his contributions to the team and career resurgence. Over his NHL career, Dubnyk played 542 games, recording 253 wins, 206 losses, a 2.61 goals-against average, and a .914 save percentage.
Dubnyk Key Stats
- 30+ Win Seasons (Wild)
Dany Heatley
Dany Heatley is a Canadian-born winger. He was drafted second overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft and made his mark by winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2002.
Heatley’s career with the Thrashers was marred by a tragic car crash in 2003, which resulted in the death of his teammate Dan Snyder and left Heatley seriously injured. Despite the setback, he returned to the ice and continued his career.
His time with the Senators was notable for reaching the 50-goal mark twice consecutively, a feat not achieved since Pavel Bure in 1999-2000. Over his NHL career, Heatley was selected for the NHL All-Star Game five times, playing in four of them. In his first All-Star Game appearance in 2003, he scored four goals and was named the All-Star Game MVP.
Heatly Key Stats
- 100+ Point Season (Senators)
- 40+ Goal Season (Senators, Thrashers*)
- 50+ Assist Season (Senators)
*The Atlanta Thrashers are now the Winnipeg Jets.
Ryan Donato
Ryan Donato is an American forward currently playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the second round, 56th overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Donato began his NHL career with the Bruins in 2018 after a successful stint with Harvard University, where he led the team in scoring during the 2017-18 season.
Donato’s NHL journey has seen him play for several teams. He was traded to the Minnesota Wild in 2019. In 2020, Donato moved to the San Jose Sharks, following a trade for a third-round pick.
He then signed with the expansion team Seattle Kraken in 2021 as a free agent and made history by scoring the first goal in Kraken franchise history. After his time with the Kraken, Donato signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023.
Joel Ward
Joel Ward is a retired Canadian right winger. He played in the NHL for the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, and San Jose Sharks. After an impressive collegiate career, Ward was invited to the Minnesota Wild’s training camp in 2006 and began his pro journey with their AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros.
Ward signed with the Nashville Predators in 2008 and scored his first NHL goal in his first game with them. His first full NHL season in 2008–09 was solid, scoring 17 goals in 79 games. Ward then signed a four-year contract with the Capitals in 2011, where he scored a memorable game-winning goal in the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs.
In 2015, he signed with the San Jose Sharks on a three-year contract. His NHL career totals include 726 games played, with 133 goals, 171 assists, and 304 points.
