7 Hockey Players who Played for Stars and Maple Leafs
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 Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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.
Ed Belfour
Ed Belfour, often known as “Eddie the Eagle”, is one of the best goaltenders in the history of the NHL. His career spanned from 1988 to 2007, during which he played for the Blackhawks, Stars, Maple Leafs, and Panthers.
Belfour’s achievements include a Stanley Cup championship with the Stars in 1999, two Vezina Trophies as the league’s top goaltender, and a Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s best rookie. His steadfast performance was recognized with an induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.
He ranks third for the most wins in NHL history by a goaltender, with 484 wins. Belfour also recorded 76 shutouts throughout his career. Finally, his record in the playoffs is also noteworthy, with Belfour winning 88 out of 161 games and recording 14 shutouts.
Belfour Key Stats
- All-Star (Blackhawks)
- 30+ Win Season (Blackhawks, Stars, Maple Leafs)
John Klingberg
John Klingberg was selected 131st overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Even while playing as a defenseman, Klingberg quickly became known for his offensive capabilities, especially his playmaking and puck-moving skills. He made his NHL debut during the 2014-2015 season and made an immediate impact, recording 40 points in 65 games.
Klingberg has been named an NHL All-Star and has been a key player for the Stars throughout his career. During the 2017-2018 season, he recorded a career-high 67 points, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly to the offense.
Klingberg Key Stats
- All-Star (Stars)
- 50+ Assist Season (Stars)
Joe Nieuwendyk
Joe Nieuwendyk was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 2nd round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft with the 27th overall pick. He played his collegiate hockey at Cornell University before embarking on an illustrious NHL career.
Over his 20-season NHL career, Nieuwendyk played for the Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. He achieved great success, winning the Stanley Cup three times with three different teams: the Flames in 1989, the Stars in 1999, and the Devils in 2003.
Nieuwendyk was awarded the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 1987-88 and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs in 1999. He finished his career with 564 goals and 562 assists for 1,126 points and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.
Nieuwendyk Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Flames, Stars, Devils, Panthers, Maple Leafs)
- 1000+ Career Points (Flames, Stars, Devils, Panthers, Maple Leafs)
- 500+ Career Goals (Flames, Stars, Devils, Panthers, Maple Leafs)
- 40+ Goal Season (Flames)
- 50+ Assist Season (Flames)
Jason Spezza
Jason Spezza was selected 2nd overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2001 NHL Draft.
During his time with the Senators, Spezza became a key player, consistently being among the team’s top scorers and playing a crucial role in their 2007 run to the Stanley Cup Finals. His agility and playmaking abilities set him apart as a center, garnering him multiple appearances in the NHL All-Star Game.
After a successful period with the Senators, Spezza spent five seasons with the Dallas Stars, where he continued to be a productive player. In the latter part of his career, he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs, providing veteran leadership and depth scoring to a young and talented team.
Spezza Key Stats
- 50+ Assist Season (Senators)
Sylvain Cote
Sylvain Cote is a Canadian-born player who had an impressive 19-season career in the NHL. His journey in the NHL predominantly featured his time with the Washington Capitals, but he also played for the Hartford Whalers (now Hurricanes), Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, and Dallas Stars.
Cote was first selected by the Hartford Whalers in the first round (#11 overall) of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft and went on to become an influential defenseman. He was an all-star selection at the 1986 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships and was part of the Dallas team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2000.
Over his career, Cote played 1,171 NHL games, scoring 122 goals and assisting in 313, totaling 435 points, along with accumulating 545 penalty minutes and 102 playoff games with 11 goals, 22 assists, and 33 points.
Max Domi
Max Domi was selected 12th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Domi’s career in the NHL began with the Arizona Coyotes (previously Phoenix), where he quickly made a name for himself. He scored his first NHL goal and assist in his debut against the Kings in 2015 and achieved his first career NHL hat trick in 2016 against the Oilers.
Domi’s journey in the NHL has seen him play for several teams. After the Coyotes, he was traded to the Canadiens in 2018. In Montreal, he achieved a significant milestone by scoring 72 points in the 2018-19 season, the first Canadiens player to do so since 2009-10.
In 2020, Domi moved to the Columbus Blue Jackets, followed by a trade to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022. Domi then signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022 and was traded to the Dallas Stars in 2023. As of July 2023, Domi joined the Toronto Maple Leafs on a one-year contract.
Peter Zezel
Peter Zezel was a skilled Canadian player, selected 41st overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut at the age of 19, scoring 61 points and setting a Flyers’ rookie record with 46 assists. His early career was marked by offensive prowess, and he was instrumental in the Flyers reaching the Stanley Cup Finals.
Zezel later joined the St. Louis Blues, where he had some of his best seasons, including a career-high 49 assists and 70 points in the 1988-89 season. Zezel’s career trajectory shifted after being traded to the Capitals in 1990 and subsequently to the Maple Leafs. His role evolved to a defensive specialist, particularly in Toronto.
Throughout his NHL career, Zezel played in 873 games, scoring 219 goals and 388 assists, totaling 607 points. He is remembered for his strong faceoff skills and versatile playing style, adapting from an offensive player to a defensive specialist over his career.
