6 Hockey Players who Played for Wild and Sabres
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 Buffalo Sabres.
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)
Dwayne Roloson
Dwayne Roloson went undrafted in the NHL but began his professional career in the minor leagues. He eventually worked his way up and made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames in the mid-1990s.
Roloson’s journey in the NHL included stints with the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
One of the highlights of Roloson’s career was during the 2005-2006 season when he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. He played a pivotal role in backstopping the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations.
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)
Marcus Johansson
Marcus Johansson is a Swedish forward currently playing for the Minnesota Wild. He was selected by the Washington Capitals in the first round, 24th overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Johansson signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Capitals in 2010 and made his NHL debut in the 2010-11 season. He played for the Capitals until 2017, when he was traded to the New Jersey Devils. In February 2019, he was traded to the Boston Bruins, with whom he reached the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals.
Johansson then signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres in July 2019. In September 2020, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild, and in August 2021, he signed a contract with the Seattle Kraken. Johansson returned to the Capitals in March 2022 before being traded back to the Wild in February 2023.
Justin Falk
Justin Falk is a Canadian former defenseman. He was selected 110th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He began his NHL career with the Wild, debuting in the 2009-10 season, and later played for the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Buffalo Sabres.
Falk’s professional career included several team transitions. After his time with the Wild, he was traded to the New York Rangers in 2013 and then returned to the Wild as a free agent in 2014. However, he struggled to secure a regular role and was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2015.
Falk later signed with the Buffalo Sabres in 2016, where he played in 46 games in the 2017-18 season, recording a goal and an assist. Falk’s career statistics in the NHL include 3 goals and 30 assists in 279 regular season games, and he appeared in 4 playoff games.
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.
