7 Hockey Players who Played for Wild and Avalanche
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 Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche.
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.
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)
Alex Galchenyuk
Alex Galchenyuk was selected 3rd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. During his NHL career, Galchenyuk has played for several teams, including the Canadiens, Coyotes, Penguins, Wild, Senators, and Maple Leafs.
To date, Galchenyuk has scored 146 goals, 208 assists, and 354 points. He’s known for his skilled play, puck-handling, and scoring ability but has struggled with consistency at times.
He has also represented the United States in international competitions, earning a gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championships.
Darcy Kuemper
Darcy Kuemper is a Canadian goaltender who has been known for his solid presence in the net. He was drafted 161st overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2009 NHL Draft.
Kuemper started his NHL career with the Wild, where he spent several seasons and had periods of strong play, showcasing his potential as a starting goaltender. In the latter part of his time with the Wild, Kuemper mostly served in a backup role, providing the team with a reliable option in goal.
In 2018, he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes, where he took on a more prominent role as the team’s primary goaltender. His standout season came in 2021-22 with the Avalanche when he racked up 37 wins and helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup.
Kuemper Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Winner (Avalanche)
- 30+ Goal Season (Avalanche)
Ian Cole
Ian Cole is an American defenseman currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks. Cole’s pro career began after being drafted 18th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He played college hockey at Notre Dame, where he helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament 3 times, including their first Frozen Four appearance in 2008.
Cole’s NHL career has been marked by several team changes. He made his NHL debut with the Blues in 2010, and in 2015, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the Penguins, Cole achieved significant success, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
His tenure with the Penguins was followed by stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and finally, the Vancouver Canucks. Cole’s NHL career statistics to date include 32 goals and 150 assists in 748 regular season games.
Cole Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Champion (Penguins)
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)
Kyle Quincey
Kyle Quincey is a retired Canadian defenseman. He played in the NHL for several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Minnesota Wild.
Quincey was drafted in the third round, 47th overall, of the 2001 OHL Priority Selection by the London Knights. He was then drafted 132nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
He made his NHL debut with Detroit in 2005 and scored his first NHL goal in the 2006–07 season. He eventually joined the Los Angeles Kings in 2008, where he had a breakthrough season leading the Kings’ defense in scoring. Quincey’s NHL career totals include 586 games, with 36 goals, 122 assists, and 158 points.
Jim Dowd
Jim Dowd, an American former center, had a remarkable 17-season NHL career, playing for ten different teams. He made history by becoming the first New Jersey native to play for the New Jersey Devils, with whom he debuted in the 1991-92 season after a successful college career.
Dowd’s tenure with the Devils was highlighted by scoring the game-winning goal in Game 2 of the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals, helping them secure their first championship.
After leaving the Devils, Jim Dowd played for a series of NHL teams, including the Whalers, Canucks, Islanders, Flames, Predators, Oilers, Wild, Canadiens, Blackhawks, and Avalanche. His career was marked by various trades and signings, with significant playing time at the Oilers and nearly four seasons with the Wild.
