Mikael Andersson is a former professional ice hockey player from Sweden who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was known for his versatility, playing both forward and defense positions throughout his career.
Andersson began his professional career in Sweden, playing for the Frolunda HC team in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft, but he continued to play in Sweden for a few more years before making the move to North America.
In 1987, Andersson made his NHL debut with the Sabres, playing in 14 games during his rookie season. He spent the next few seasons bouncing between the Sabres and their minor league affiliate, the Rochester Americans, before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1993.
Andersson played for the Lightning for three seasons, serving as team captain during the 1995-96 season. He was known for his defensive skills and penalty killing abilities, and he helped the Lightning reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 1996.
After his time with the Lightning, Andersson played for several other NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, and New York Rangers. He continued to be a reliable defensive player and penalty killer, and he helped the Rangers win the Stanley Cup in 1994.
In addition to his NHL career, Andersson also represented Sweden in international competition. He played in several World Championships and was a member of the Swedish team that won the silver medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.
Andersson retired from professional hockey in 2000, finishing his NHL career with 696 games played, 68 goals, and 164 assists. He was known for his hard work and dedication to the game, and he was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
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