Thomas Gradin
Encyclopedia
Thomas Kjell Gradin was a professional ice hockey
player in the National Hockey League
(NHL) from 1978 to 1987. He is best remembered for the 8 seasons he spent with the Vancouver Canucks
, and remains one of the top players in that franchise's history.
when he was drafted by the Chicago Black Hawks
in the third round (45th overall) in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft
. Chicago spent two years trying to lure Gradin to North America
, but were unable to agree to contract terms. During this time Gradin, now playing for AIK, continued to establish himself as one of the top talents outside of the NHL. The Black Hawks ended the stalemate by trading Gradin's NHL rights to the Vancouver Canucks
in exchange for a draft pick in June 1978.
Gradin was one of three Swedes (Lars Zetterstrom
and Lars Lindgren
being the others) to join the Canucks for the 1978–79 NHL season, becoming the first European players in the club's history. He was an instant hit, playing on a line with fellow rookies Stan Smyl
and Curt Fraser
, he led the team in assists (31) and finished second in scoring (51 points) in his rookie campaign, and added 4 goals in 3 playoff games. As a result, he was named team co-MVP.
In ensuing seasons, Gradin would establish himself as arguably the most skilled player in the franchise's history to that point. He jumped to 75 points in 1979–80, and starting in 1980–81, he would lead the team in assists in 4 consecutive seasons. He led the team in scoring in 1980–81 and 1981–82. His 86 points in 1981–82 set a franchise record, although it was broken the following season by Stan Smyl. Perhaps his finest moment came in the 1982 playoffs, when he led the Canucks in scoring with 19 points in 17 games en route to their surprising appearance
in the Stanley Cup Finals
. He would play in his only NHL All-Star Game in 1985
.
By 1985–86, he had established himself as the franchise's all-time leading scorer, but was now the teams #2 centre behind Patrik Sundstrom
. During that season, his production fell to a career-low 41 points. With the club's acquisition of Barry Pederson
, Gradin became expendable and was allowed to sign as a free agent with the Boston Bruins
. He would have a solid season in Boston in 1986–87, finishing with 43 points in just 64 games, but chose to retire from the NHL at that point.
After leaving the NHL, Gradin returned to Sweden and AIK, and turned in three more solid seasons there before retiring in 1990. He would make a brief comeback in 1996–97 at the age of 40 before hanging up his gear for good.
Gradin finished his NHL career with 209 goals and 384 assists for 593 points in 677 games. He also added 42 points in 42 playoff games.
Peter Gradin, Thomas' younger brother, was also a star hockey player in Sweden throughout the 1980s although he was never drafted by an NHL team.
, where he captained Sweden's entry and led them to the finals before losing to Canada. He would also represent Sweden at the 1981 Canada Cup
where they finished 5th. He only took part in one World Championships
, in 1978.
Gradin also starred for Sweden at the 1974, 1975, and 1976 World Junior Championships
, helping them to a bronze medal in 1975.
and Henrik
, second and third overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft
.
More recently, he has been lauded for discovering Alexander Edler
, now one of the Canucks' top defencemen, when he was a complete unknown playing in the Swedish 3rd division (only he and Red Wings scout Hakan Andersson
had scouted him), and convincing Vancouver management to trade up to select Edler in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft
.
Gradin also set many other Canuck records which have since been broken. Most notably, he was the franchise's all-time leading scorer until he was passed by his long-time teammate Stan Smyl, who has since been surpassed by Trevor Linden
and Markus Näslund
. He also used to hold the record for career point
s by a center (550) until the 2009-10 season when he was surpassed by Henrik Sedin
.
Gradin, during a ceremony before the Vancouver Canucks vs Dallas North Stars game on January 24 at Roger's Place Arena in Vancouver, BC, was inducted to the Canucks 40th. anniversary celebration ring of honor. http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=548423
Thomas Gradin is currently Associate Head Scout for the Vancouver Canucks.
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
player in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL) from 1978 to 1987. He is best remembered for the 8 seasons he spent with the Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
, and remains one of the top players in that franchise's history.
NHL career
Gradin was already one of the top players in the Swedish ElitserienElitserien
Elitserien, is a professional ice hockey league composed of twelve teams in Sweden...
when he was drafted by the Chicago Black Hawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
in the third round (45th overall) in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft
1976 NHL Amateur Draft
The 1976 NHL Amateur Draft was held at the NHL office in Montreal, Quebec on June 1, 1976. It is notable as featuring one of the weakest first rounds in draft history, as only two players played more than 450 career NHL games. In 2002, Federko was elected into the Hockey Hall-of-Fame after...
. Chicago spent two years trying to lure Gradin to North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, but were unable to agree to contract terms. During this time Gradin, now playing for AIK, continued to establish himself as one of the top talents outside of the NHL. The Black Hawks ended the stalemate by trading Gradin's NHL rights to the Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
in exchange for a draft pick in June 1978.
Gradin was one of three Swedes (Lars Zetterstrom
Lars Zetterstrom
Lars Zetterström is a retired Swedish professional ice hockey player who spent many years with Färjestads BK of the Elitserien, and also played briefly in the National Hockey League with the Vancouver Canucks....
and Lars Lindgren
Lars Lindgren
Lars Sune Lindgren is a retired Swedish ice hockey defenceman and a professional scout with the Vancouver Canucks....
being the others) to join the Canucks for the 1978–79 NHL season, becoming the first European players in the club's history. He was an instant hit, playing on a line with fellow rookies Stan Smyl
Stan Smyl
Stanley Philip Smyl is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey winger. As a junior, he appeared in three consecutive Memorial Cups with the New Westminster Bruins, winning the championship twice in 1977 and 1978...
and Curt Fraser
Curt Fraser
Curtis Martin Fraser is a former ice hockey player of dual American and Canadian citizenship...
, he led the team in assists (31) and finished second in scoring (51 points) in his rookie campaign, and added 4 goals in 3 playoff games. As a result, he was named team co-MVP.
In ensuing seasons, Gradin would establish himself as arguably the most skilled player in the franchise's history to that point. He jumped to 75 points in 1979–80, and starting in 1980–81, he would lead the team in assists in 4 consecutive seasons. He led the team in scoring in 1980–81 and 1981–82. His 86 points in 1981–82 set a franchise record, although it was broken the following season by Stan Smyl. Perhaps his finest moment came in the 1982 playoffs, when he led the Canucks in scoring with 19 points in 17 games en route to their surprising appearance
Cinderella (sports)
In American and Canadian sports, a Cinderella or "Cinderella Story" refers to a team or player who advances much further in a tournament or career than originally anticipated. Cinderellas tend to gain much media and fan attention as they move closer to the championship game at the end of the...
in the Stanley Cup Finals
1982 Stanley Cup Finals
-References:...
. He would play in his only NHL All-Star Game in 1985
37th National Hockey League All-Star Game
The 37th National Hockey League All-Star Game was held in the Olympic Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, home of the Calgary Flames, on February 12, 1985. The Wales Conference defeated the Campbell Conference 6–4...
.
By 1985–86, he had established himself as the franchise's all-time leading scorer, but was now the teams #2 centre behind Patrik Sundstrom
Patrik Sundström
Patrik Sundström is a retired professional ice hockey centre, who played in the NHL for ten seasons.- Playing career :Sundström was drafted 175th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft....
. During that season, his production fell to a career-low 41 points. With the club's acquisition of Barry Pederson
Barry Pederson
Barry Alan Pederson is a retired professional ice hockey centre who played twelve seasons in the National Hockey League between 1980 and 1992...
, Gradin became expendable and was allowed to sign as a free agent with the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
. He would have a solid season in Boston in 1986–87, finishing with 43 points in just 64 games, but chose to retire from the NHL at that point.
After leaving the NHL, Gradin returned to Sweden and AIK, and turned in three more solid seasons there before retiring in 1990. He would make a brief comeback in 1996–97 at the age of 40 before hanging up his gear for good.
Gradin finished his NHL career with 209 goals and 384 assists for 593 points in 677 games. He also added 42 points in 42 playoff games.
Peter Gradin, Thomas' younger brother, was also a star hockey player in Sweden throughout the 1980s although he was never drafted by an NHL team.
International career
Gradin's most notable contribution internationally came at the 1984 Canada Cup1984 Canada Cup
The 1984 Canada Cup was a professional international ice hockey tournament played during the first three weeks of September 1984. The best-of-three final took place between Canada and Sweden, with Canada winning two games to nil...
, where he captained Sweden's entry and led them to the finals before losing to Canada. He would also represent Sweden at the 1981 Canada Cup
1981 Canada Cup
The 1981 Canada Cup was the second best-on-best ice hockey world championship and involved the world's top six hockey nations. Tournament games were held in Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal and Ottawa. The Soviet Union defeated Canada in a single game final to win its first title, while Soviet...
where they finished 5th. He only took part in one World Championships
Ice Hockey World Championships
The Ice Hockey World Championships are an annual ice hockey tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation . First officially held at the 1920 Summer Olympics, it is the sport's highest profile annual international tournament. The IIHF was created in 1908 while the European...
, in 1978.
Gradin also starred for Sweden at the 1974, 1975, and 1976 World Junior Championships
World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
The International Ice Hockey Federation World Under 20 Championship is an annual event organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation for national under-20 ice hockey teams from around the world...
, helping them to a bronze medal in 1975.
Scouting career
Gradin was named Vancouver part-time amateur scout prior to the 1994–95 NHL season and remained in that position through the 1995–96 NHL season. Prior to the 1996–97 NHL season, he was named Vancouver full-time amateur scout, then was promoted to head European scout prior to the 1998–99 NHL season, remaining in that position into the 2006–07 NHL season. He played a key scouting role in Vancouver's decision to draft the Sedin twins, DanielDaniel Sedin
Daniel Sedin is a Swedish professional ice hockey winger with the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League , and serves as an alternate captain for the Canucks during home games. His identical twin brother Henrik also plays for the Canucks, and is the team captain...
and Henrik
Henrik Sedin
Henrik Sedin is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . His identical twin brother Daniel also plays for the Canucks. Having played together throughout their careers, the pair are known for their effectiveness playing off one...
, second and third overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft
1999 NHL Entry Draft
The 1999 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 26 at the FleetCenter in Boston, Massachusetts. According to Sports Illustrated and other sports news agencies, at the time the 1999 draft was considered one of the deepest in talent in years, headed by Patrik Stefan and the Sedin twins. However, the...
.
More recently, he has been lauded for discovering Alexander Edler
Alexander Edler
Alexander Edler is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . He was drafted out of Sweden's third-tier ice hockey league by the Canucks 91st overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and played junior hockey with Modo of the J20 SuperElit and...
, now one of the Canucks' top defencemen, when he was a complete unknown playing in the Swedish 3rd division (only he and Red Wings scout Hakan Andersson
Håkan Andersson (ice hockey)
Håkan Andersson is a Swedish amateur hockey scout who currently serves as the Director of European Scouting for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League ....
had scouted him), and convincing Vancouver management to trade up to select Edler in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft
2004 NHL Entry Draft
The 2004 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 26 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is especially notable because it was the last NHL event to take place before the beginning of the lockout which canceled all the games scheduled for the 2004–05 NHL season.- Selections by round :Listed...
.
Awards and achievements
- Played in NHL All-Star Game (1985)
- Vancouver Canucks' leading scorer (1980–81, 1981–82)
- Vancouver Canucks' leading playoff scorer (1979, 1981, 1982, 1986)
- Vancouver Canucks' goalGoal (ice hockey)In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to...
s leader (1981–82) - Vancouver Canucks' assistAssist (ice hockey)In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal...
s leader (1978–79, 1980–81 – 1983–84) - Viking Award winner (Best Swede in NHL - 1982)
- Canucks' Molson CupMolson CupThe Molson Cup is an award presented to a distinguished player on Canadian ice hockey teams. After each game, the "three game stars" are selected, usually by a member of the media. At the end of the season, the player with the most three-star honours is presented with the Molson Cup...
winner (1982–83) - Vancouver Canucks' MVP (1978–79)
- Swedish Junior Player of the Year (1974–75)
Gradin also set many other Canuck records which have since been broken. Most notably, he was the franchise's all-time leading scorer until he was passed by his long-time teammate Stan Smyl, who has since been surpassed by Trevor Linden
Trevor Linden
Trevor John Linden, C.M., O.B.C. is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played centre and right wing with four different teams: the Vancouver Canucks , New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, and Washington Capitals...
and Markus Näslund
Markus Näslund
Sten Markus Näslund is a Swedish ice hockey general manager for Modo Hockey and a retired professional winger. He played in the National Hockey League for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers, as well as in the Elitserien with Modo Hockey...
. He also used to hold the record for career point
Point (ice hockey)
Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one...
s by a center (550) until the 2009-10 season when he was surpassed by Henrik Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Henrik Sedin is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . His identical twin brother Daniel also plays for the Canucks. Having played together throughout their careers, the pair are known for their effectiveness playing off one...
.
Gradin, during a ceremony before the Vancouver Canucks vs Dallas North Stars game on January 24 at Roger's Place Arena in Vancouver, BC, was inducted to the Canucks 40th. anniversary celebration ring of honor. http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=548423
Thomas Gradin is currently Associate Head Scout for the Vancouver Canucks.
Career statistics
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1976–77 | AIK | SEL Elitserien Elitserien, is a professional ice hockey league composed of twelve teams in Sweden... |
34 | 16 | 12 | 28 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1977–78 | AIK | SEL | 36 | 22 | 22 | 44 | 24 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1978–79 | Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,... |
NHL | 76 | 20 | 31 | 51 | 22 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 4 | ||
| 1979–80 | Vancouver Canucks | NHL | 80 | 30 | 45 | 75 | 22 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | ||
| 1980–81 | Vancouver Canucks | NHL | 79 | 21 | 48 | 69 | 34 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 1981–82 | Vancouver Canucks | NHL | 76 | 37 | 49 | 86 | 32 | 17 | 9 | 10 | 19 | 10 | ||
| 1982–83 | Vancouver Canucks | NHL | 80 | 32 | 54 | 86 | 61 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | ||
| 1983–84 | Vancouver Canucks | NHL | 75 | 21 | 57 | 78 | 32 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||
| 1984–85 | Vancouver Canucks | NHL | 76 | 22 | 42 | 64 | 43 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1985–86 | Vancouver Canucks | NHL | 71 | 14 | 27 | 41 | 34 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | ||
| 1986–87 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
NHL | 64 | 12 | 31 | 43 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 1988–89 | AIK | SEL | 33 | 11 | 21 | 32 | 40 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1989–90 | AIK | SEL | 35 | 14 | 15 | 29 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 1996–97 | VIK Västerås HK VIK Västerås HK VIK Västerås HK is an ice hockey club from Västerås, Sweden. The team is currently playing in the second highest league in Sweden, HockeyAllsvenskan. Västerås IK has played 12 seasons in the top Swedish league Elitserien .-History:Västerås IK was founded in 1913 and started playing ice hockey in... |
SEL | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| NHL totals | 677 | 209 | 384 | 593 | 298 | 42 | 17 | 25 | 42 | 20 | ||||