5 random players you forgot were on the Winnipeg Jets, Atlanta Thrashers

3. Uwe Krupp

Most famous for slugging home Colorado’s Cup-clinching strike in 1996, Krupp remains a German standard-bearer for hockey excellence. Now more than 17 years removed from ending a 17-year career in North America, he is still his nationality’s fifth-leading all-time NHL point-getter (281). He holds the same slot on the same chart in the games played column (729).

That ending, incidentally, was a sparse, scoreless, four-game fling with the Thrashers. On February 27, 2003, Krupp logged 12 minutes and 43 seconds against none other than the host Avalanche in his final NHL twirl.

Before any of that, Krupp accrued his share of glory before the Thrashers even launched in 1999. His longevity and sprinkling of accolades defied the sleeper label that came with Buffalo drafting him in 1983’s 11th round.

As early as 1990-91 with the Sabres and as late as 1997-98 with the Avs, he received postseason All-Star votes on three occasions. Apart from his freshman and sophomore seasons, he always broke double-digit assists when he logged 10 or more games.

Krupp played at least three full seasons apiece for the Sabres, Islanders, and Nordiques/Avalanche. Among blueliners, he trailed only Sandis Ozolinsh on the playoff scoring chart during Colorado’s climb to the 1996 title.

His time in Denver gave way to 30 games in two nonconsecutive seasons with Detroit. But the relatively uneventful nature of Krupp’s moments in the Motor City had nothing on his 2002-03 season in Georgia. Despite his dearth of action in 2001-02, he was eligible for a second Cup ring when the Red Wings won.