Jonathan Ericsson is a former Swedish professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman. He began his career in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with the Södertälje SK team in 2004. He played for the team for two seasons before being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the ninth round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
Ericsson made his NHL debut with the Red Wings in the 2007-08 season and quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. He was known for his physicality and his ability to block shots. He played a key role in the Red Wings' Stanley Cup victory in 2008, contributing two assists in the playoffs.
Over the course of his career, Ericsson played in over 700 NHL games, all with the Red Wings. He was a consistent presence on the team's blue line, often playing alongside fellow Swede Niklas Kronwall. Ericsson was also a regular on the penalty kill, using his size and strength to disrupt opposing power plays.
Despite his physical style of play, Ericsson was prone to injury throughout his career. He missed significant time in several seasons due to various ailments, including a broken wrist, a hip injury, and a concussion.
In addition to his NHL career, Ericsson also represented Sweden in international competition. He played in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, helping Sweden win a silver medal in 2014. He also played in several World Championships, winning a gold medal in 2013.
Ericsson announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2020, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. He finished his career with 27 goals and 98 assists in 662 regular season games, as well as four goals and 10 assists in 76 playoff games. He was known as a hard-working, team-first player who was respected by his teammates and coaches alike.
🏒