6 Hockey Players who Played for Wild and Canadiens
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 Montreal Canadiens.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
Gustav Olofsson
Gustav Olofsson is a Swedish professional defenceman. He is currently playing for the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the American Hockey League (AHL) and is under contract with the Seattle Kraken. Olofsson was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the second round, 46th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Following a season of NCAA play with Colorado College, Olofsson signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild for the 2014–15 season, but began his pro career with the Iowa Wild in the AHL. He made his NHL debut in November 2015 against the Boston Bruins.
Olofsson then signed a two-year contract with the Wild in 2017. He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in October 2018, where he spent three seasons before signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Seattle Kraken in August 2021.
Nicolas Deslauriers
Nicolas Deslauriers, a Canadian left winger, currently plays for the Philadelphia Flyers. He was drafted in the third round, 84th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Deslauriers began his pro career with their AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs.
In 2014, Deslauriers was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he made his NHL debut. He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 2017, contributing significantly to the team and earning the Molson Cup honour in December 2017.
In 2019, Deslauriers joined the Anaheim Ducks, where he set a record for the fastest hat trick in team history. Before the 2022 trade deadline, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild and then signed a four-year, $7 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in July 2022.
