6 Hockey Players who Played for Wild and Hurricanes
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 Carolina Hurricanes.
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.
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)
Nino Niederreiter
Nino Niederreiter was selected 5th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2010 NHL Draft. A Swiss professional ice hockey winger, he made his NHL debut with the Islanders during the 2010-2011 season.
In 2013, Niederreiter was traded to the Minnesota Wild, where he enjoyed several productive seasons. In the 2016-2017 season, he achieved career highs with 25 goals and 32 assists. Later, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2018-2019 season.
Niederreiter has represented Switzerland in international competitions, contributing to the success of his national team in various tournaments. Throughout his NHL career, he has proven to be a versatile and skilled forward, known for his scoring ability and strong presence on the ice.
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)
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)
Victor Rask
Victor Rask is a Swedish center who has played for the Hurricanes, Wild, and Kraken in the NHL, and is currently with SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers of the National League (NL). Rask started his career in Sweden with Leksands IF before being drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Rask made his NHL debut with the Hurricanes in the 2014-15 season, scoring 11 goals and 22 assists through 80 games. He was traded to the Minnesota Wild in 2019 and later to the Seattle Kraken in 2022. After his stint in the NHL, Rask returned to Europe, signing with HC Fribourg-Gottéron of the NL in 2022.
Over his NHL career, Rask played 506 games, scoring 89 goals and 134 assists for a total of 223 points.
Erik Haula
Erik Haula is a Finnish forward currently playing for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL. He was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the seventh round, 182nd overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Before joining the NHL, Haula played at the University of Minnesota, where he had an impressive college hockey career.
Haula signed an entry-level contract with the Wild in 2013 and made his NHL debut in the 2013-14 season, where he also scored his first NHL goal. He played for the Wild until 2017 when he was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft. Haula had a career-high 29 goals for 55 points in the 2017-18 season with the Golden Knights.
Haula has also played for the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, and Boston Bruins. In July 2022, Haula was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where he later signed a three-year extension.
