Niklas Hjalmarsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who has had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on June 6, 1987, in Eksjö, Sweden, and began playing hockey at a young age.
Hjalmarsson started his professional career in Sweden, playing for the HV71 team in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He played for HV71 from 2004 to 2007, during which time he helped the team win two SHL championships.
In 2007, Hjalmarsson was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2007-2008 season and quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. Hjalmarsson's defensive skills were particularly valuable to the Blackhawks, and he became known for his shot-blocking abilities.
Hjalmarsson played for the Blackhawks for 10 seasons, from 2007 to 2017. During his time with the team, he helped them win three Stanley Cup championships, in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Hjalmarsson was a key player in each of these championship runs, and his defensive contributions were crucial to the team's success.
In 2017, Hjalmarsson was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for defenseman Connor Murphy and forward Laurent Dauphin. Hjalmarsson played for the Coyotes for four seasons, from 2017 to 2021. During his time with the team, he continued to be a reliable defenseman and a leader on the ice.
Overall, Hjalmarsson's career has been marked by his strong defensive skills and his ability to contribute to team success. He has played in over 800 NHL games and has scored 25 goals and 129 assists. Hjalmarsson has also represented Sweden in international competition, including the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
In June 2021, Hjalmarsson announced his retirement from professional hockey. He will be remembered as one of the NHL's top defensive players and a key contributor to the success of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Arizona Coyotes.
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