Erik Karlsson
SwedenBiography of Erik Karlsson
Erik Karlsson is a Swedish professional hockey player who currently plays as a defenseman for the Ottawa Senators in the NHL. He was selected by the Senators in the first round, 15th overall, in the 2008 NHL Draft. Karlsson made his debut in the Swedish Elite League on March 1, 2008, playing for the Frölunda club against HV71. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime, playing for 8 minutes and 48 seconds. He ended the season playing for the youth team, winning the Anton Cup.
Early Career and NHL Draft
Before the 2008 NHL Draft, Karlsson was ranked fourth among European players by the NHL Central Scouting Service. He was ultimately chosen by the Senators in the first round of the draft, held in Ottawa. The selection was made by the Senators' captain, Daniel Alfredsson, who had also played for Frölunda before joining the NHL. Karlsson attended the Ottawa training camp in September 2009, and on September 29, the Senators announced that he would start playing for the team in the 2009/10 season. During this season, Karlsson played for both the main team and the Senators' AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Senators.
NHL Career and Achievements
Karlsson made his NHL debut against the Minnesota Wild on December 19, and Ottawa won the game 4-1. In 2011, after scoring 25 points in 41 games, Karlsson was invited to the NHL All-Star Game. On December 16, 2011, in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, he recorded three assists, earning his 100th point in the NHL in 168 games. Karlsson was the leading vote-getter in the fan voting for the NHL All-Star Game in 2012, receiving 939,951 votes. He was named the best defenseman in the junior world championship in 2008, finishing with a +8 plus-minus rating and 7 assists in 6 games. In the 2009 youth championship, he was selected to the "All-Star Team" and named the best defenseman, recording 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) in 6 games. At the 2010 World Championship, Karlsson made his debut for the Swedish national team, scoring 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 9 games and finishing as the top-scoring Swedish defenseman.
Personal Life
Erik Karlsson is not married, but he plans to marry his girlfriend named Teresa in 2012 during the offseason.
