Calle Johansson is a former professional ice hockey player from Sweden who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 17 seasons. He was known for his strong defensive skills and his ability to move the puck up the ice.
Johansson began his professional career in Sweden, playing for Färjestad BK in the Swedish Elite League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, but he continued to play in Sweden for a few more years before making the move to North America.
Johansson made his NHL debut with the Sabres in the 1987-88 season, and he quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. He played for the Sabres for six seasons before being traded to the Washington Capitals in 1993.
Johansson spent the majority of his career with the Capitals, playing for the team for 15 seasons. He was a key player on the team's defense, and he helped lead the Capitals to the playoffs in 10 of his 15 seasons with the team.
During his time with the Capitals, Johansson was named to the NHL All-Star Game twice (1998 and 1999) and he was a finalist for the Norris Trophy (awarded to the NHL's top defenseman) in 1999. He was also a member of the Swedish national team, representing his country in several international tournaments including the Olympics.
Johansson retired from the NHL in 2004, finishing his career with 1,109 games played, 119 goals, and 514 assists. He was known for his consistency and his ability to play in all situations, including on the power play and penalty kill.
After retiring from playing, Johansson worked as an assistant coach for the Capitals for several seasons before taking on a scouting role with the team. He was inducted into the Swedish Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.
Overall, Calle Johansson had a successful career in the NHL, playing for two teams and establishing himself as one of the league's top defensemen. He was a reliable player who was respected by his teammates and opponents alike, and he left a lasting impact on the game of hockey.
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