Famous Swedish Ice Hockey Players

Henrik Lundqvist is a former Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender known for his 15-season career with the New York Rangers in the NHL. He earned the Vezina Trophy in 2012 and holds the record for most wins by a European-born NHL goaltender. Lundqvist was nicknamed "King Henrik" by New York media and fans due to his dominating play. He also led the Swedish men's team to Olympic gold in 2006. Before joining the Rangers, he excelled with Frölunda HC in Swedish Elitserien, winning multiple awards for his goaltending prowess. Lundqvist was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023.

Erik Karlsson is a highly skilled Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL. He was originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators and spent nine successful seasons with the team before joining the San Jose Sharks. Known for his exceptional defensive abilities, Karlsson has been awarded the prestigious James Norris Memorial Trophy three times, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top defencemen. His impressive career highlights his talent, dedication, and impact on the ice.

Peter Mattias Forsberg is a retired Swedish ice hockey player known for his exceptional on-ice vision and physical play. He had a successful 19-year professional career, including 13 years in the NHL where he won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche and received individual accolades such as the Hart Memorial Trophy. Forsberg excelled in international play, winning four gold medals with Sweden and being a member of the exclusive Triple Gold Club. He was inducted into both the IIHF Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Nicklas Lidström is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman known for his tenure with the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL. He played 20 seasons with the Red Wings, captaining the team for the final six seasons. Lidström is considered one of the greatest defencemen in NHL history, earning numerous accolades including four Stanley Cup championships, seven James Norris Memorial Trophies, and induction into both the IIHF Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame. He holds records for playoff appearances and games played with a single NHL team by a European-born player.

Gabriel "Gabe" Landeskog is a prominent Swedish professional ice hockey left winger who currently serves as the captain of the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. He was drafted second overall in 2011 by the Colorado Avalanche and quickly rose to the role of captain in 2012, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history at the time. Landeskog's leadership skills and on-ice performance have been instrumental in the success of the Colorado Avalanche, culminating in a Stanley Cup win in 2022, making him the fourth European-born captain to achieve this feat.

Henrik Sedin is a Swedish ice hockey executive and former centre known for his 17-season NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks. He was a skilled playmaker, amassing 1,070 points in 1,330 games and becoming the Canucks' all-time leading points scorer. Sedin won numerous awards, including the Hart Memorial Trophy and Art Ross Trophy in 2009–10. Alongside his twin brother Daniel, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022. Internationally, Sedin represented Sweden, winning medals at the Olympics and World Championships.

Victor Hedman is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman and alternate captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. Selected second overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Hedman quickly established himself as one of the top defencemen in the league. He has been a six-time James Norris Memorial Trophy finalist and won the award in 2018. Hedman's career highlights include winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021, as well as earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in 2020.

Mats Sundin is a former Swedish professional ice hockey player who enjoyed a successful career primarily in the NHL. Drafted first overall in 1989, Sundin played for the Quebec Nordiques before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs where he spent the majority of his career, serving as team captain for 11 seasons. He also played for the Vancouver Canucks. Sundin was known for his consistent scoring, leadership, and international success, earning multiple accolades and being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Daniel Sedin is a retired Swedish ice hockey executive and former winger who spent his entire 17-season NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks. Known for his goal-scoring prowess, Sedin tallied 393 goals and 648 assists in 1,306 games played, making him the Canucks' second-highest points scorer of all time. He won numerous accolades during his career, including the Art Ross Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award. Sedin was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022 and also achieved success internationally, winning gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics and the 2013 IIHF World Championship.

Henrik Zetterberg is a retired Swedish professional ice hockey forward known for his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings. As captain for his final six seasons, Zetterberg achieved significant milestones, including finishing 2nd in Calder Memorial Trophy votes as a rookie. He notably won the Stanley Cup in 2008 and the Conn Smythe Trophy that same year. Zetterberg's international success includes gold medals in the Ice Hockey World Championships and Winter Olympics, making him a member of the Triple Gold Club.

Anders Börje Salming was a legendary Swedish ice hockey defenseman who played professionally for 23 seasons. Salming made a significant impact in the NHL as one of the first European players to do so, garnering numerous accolades including being named to six consecutive NHL All-Star Teams and winning multiple NHL All-Star Games. He was the first European-born and trained player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and was recognized internationally for his achievements, including induction into the IIHF Hall of Fame.

Johnny Oduya is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenseman known for his successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). Oduya achieved great success as a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015. Throughout his professional life, he displayed exceptional skills and versatility on the ice, earning a reputation as a reliable and consistent player. Oduya's contributions to his teams and his achievements in the NHL have solidified his legacy as a talented defenseman in the league.

Alexander Steen had a successful professional ice hockey career, being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2002. He later played for the St. Louis Blues, where he spent the majority of his NHL career. Steen was a valuable player for the Blues, contributing to the team's success, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2019. Known for his skills on the ice, Steen established himself as a reliable and consistent player throughout his time in the NHL.

Filip Forsberg is a Swedish professional ice hockey player known for his skill and versatility on the ice. He currently plays for the Nashville Predators in the NHL, having been drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2012. Forsberg's talent has earned him a reputation as a key player for his team, consistently delivering strong performances and contributing to their success. With his speed, scoring ability, and hockey IQ, he has established himself as a top forward in the league, garnering recognition and respect from fans and peers alike.

Loui Eriksson is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward known for his versatility and scoring ability. He began his NHL career with the Dallas Stars after being drafted in 2003. Throughout his career, he has played for multiple teams including the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and Arizona Coyotes. Known for his strong two-way play, Eriksson has showcased his skills in various leagues, including the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He continues to be a valuable asset to his teams with his experience and consistent performance on the ice.

Daniel Alfredsson, also known as "Alfie," is a Swedish-Canadian former professional ice hockey player who spent 18 seasons in the NHL, primarily with the Ottawa Senators. He was the captain of the Senators from 1999 to 2013 and played on the first line with Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley. Alfredsson excelled as a two-way player and set numerous franchise records for the Senators. Internationally, he represented Sweden 14 times and won gold and silver medals at the Olympics. Alfredsson is also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the IIHF Hall of Fame.

Anders Nilsson had a successful career as a professional ice hockey goaltender, playing in the NHL for various teams such as the New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, and Ottawa Senators. He was known for his skills on the ice and was drafted 62nd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Nilsson also achieved international success by leading Sweden to a gold medal at the 2018 World Championships, showcasing his talent and contribution to the sport at a global level.

André Burakovsky is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Seattle Kraken in the NHL. He was initially drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2013 and later joined the Colorado Avalanche in 2019. Burakovsky has achieved significant success in his career, winning the Stanley Cup twice with the Capitals in 2018 and the Avalanche in 2022. Known for his skills on the ice, Burakovsky has made a notable impact in the league with his strong performances and contributions to his teams' successes.

Michael Nylander is a Swedish retired professional ice hockey centre and coach. He had a successful career spanning fifteen seasons in the NHL. Nylander also represented the Swedish national team in various international competitions, including multiple Olympics and World Championships. Known for his skills on the ice, Nylander made significant contributions to the teams he played for and was respected for his leadership both on and off the ice. After retiring from playing, he transitioned to coaching, further contributing to the sport he loves.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman known by the initials "OEL". He was drafted sixth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2009 and established himself as one of the NHL's top offensive defencemen. Leading the Coyotes in scoring in multiple seasons, he spent 11 seasons with Arizona before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks. After a brief stint with the Canucks, he joined the Florida Panthers, winning the Stanley Cup in 2024 during his time with the team.

Sven Tumba, a prominent Swedish ice hockey player of the 1950s and 1960s, was also successful in representing Sweden in football, golf, and waterskiing. Known as "Tumba," he became a household name due to his exceptional talents. Inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 1997, Tumba transitioned into a successful career in golf post-retirement. He excelled as a golfer, course designer, and ambassador for the sport, even playing a role in introducing golf to the former Soviet Union.

Jonas Gustavsson, known as "the Monster," had a successful professional ice hockey career as a goaltender in the NHL. He played for several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Oilers. Gustavsson was known for his agility and skill in the net, earning a reputation as a reliable and consistent player. Throughout his career, he showcased his talent and dedication to the sport, making a significant impact on the teams he played for and leaving a lasting legacy in the hockey world.

Oscar Lindberg is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward currently playing with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League. He has previously played in the NHL for the New York Rangers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Ottawa Senators. Lindberg has represented Sweden in international competitions, including the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the gold medal-winning 2013 IIHF World Championship team. Known for his skill and versatility on the ice, Lindberg has gained recognition for his contributions to both club and national teams.

Niklas Kronwall is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman known for his time with the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL. He currently serves as an advisor to the team's general manager. Kronwall achieved success internationally, representing Sweden in various competitions. He gained recognition for his aggressive playing style, particularly his impactful open-ice hits, leading to the popularization of the term "being Kronwalled." Kronwall was part of the Triple Gold Club and secured a Stanley Cup victory with the Red Wings in 2008.

David Rundblad is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who currently plays with Kärpät in the Liiga. He was drafted 17th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and started his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators. Rundblad was later traded to the Phoenix Coyotes and then to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2014. During his time with the Blackhawks, he won the Stanley Cup in 2015, marking a significant achievement in his professional hockey career.

Mika Zibanejad is a Swedish professional ice hockey center and alternate captain for the New York Rangers in the NHL. He was drafted sixth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. Zibanejad started his NHL career with the Senators before being traded to the Rangers in 2016. He has also represented Sweden in international competitions, contributing to victories at the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the 2018 IIHF World Championship.

Elias Pettersson is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward and alternate captain for the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL. He was selected fifth overall by the Canucks in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and had an outstanding U20 season in the SHL in 2017–18. Pettersson won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's best rookie in 2019, following an impressive performance that earned him a spot on the Canucks' opening night roster for the 2018–19 season.

Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson is a Swedish professional ice hockey left winger with an impressive career. He currently plays for Timrå IK in the Swedish Hockey League after stints with the Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, and Ottawa Senators in the NHL. Pääjärvi was a first-round draft pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, showcasing his talent and potential early on. With experience in both the North American and European hockey leagues, Pääjärvi continues to make a significant impact on the ice with his skills and versatility.

Douglas Murray, known as "Crankshaft," is a retired Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman. He was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Murray had a successful career playing in the NHL, known for his physical style of play and defensive skills. He was recognized for his strong presence on the ice and his ability to shut down opponents. Throughout his career, Murray was respected for his reliability and toughness as a defenseman before retiring from professional hockey.

Oliver Kylington is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman who last played for the Calgary Flames in the NHL. He was drafted by the Flames in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and has since showcased his skills on the ice. As an unrestricted free agent, he is currently exploring opportunities to continue his career in the NHL. With experience playing at the highest level of competition, Kylington brings a valuable mix of talent, agility, and defensive prowess to any team he joins.

Patrik Nemeth is a professional ice hockey defenseman playing for SC Bern in the National League (NL). He was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the second round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Throughout his career, Nemeth has demonstrated excellent defensive skills and a physical presence on the ice. He has gained valuable experience playing in various leagues and has proven to be a reliable player for his teams. Nemeth's contributions have helped him establish himself as a key player in the professional ice hockey world.

Peter "Poppe" Popovic is a retired Swedish ice hockey defenceman with Serbian heritage. He was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. Throughout his career, Popovic played professionally in various leagues, including the NHL. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Sweden men's national team. Popovic's experience as both a player and a coach has contributed to his successful career in the world of ice hockey.

Håkan Loob is a legendary Swedish ice hockey player known for his time with Färjestad BK and the Calgary Flames. He achieved numerous accolades including being inducted into two Hall of Fames, winning the Guldpucken, and having the Håkan Loob Trophy named in his honor. Loob made history as the first Swedish player to score 50 goals in an NHL season and was part of the Triple Gold Club. His successful transition from player to manager and president showcases his lasting impact on the sport.