Patrik Sundstrom was a Swedish ice hockey player who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1980s and early 1990s. He was born on October 5, 1961, in Skellefteå, Sweden, and began playing hockey at a young age.
Sundstrom started his professional career in Sweden, playing for Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He quickly established himself as a talented forward, and in 1982, he was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft.
Sundstrom made his NHL debut in the 1983-84 season, and he quickly became a key player for the Canucks. He was known for his speed, skill, and versatility, and he was able to play both center and left wing. In his rookie season, he scored 23 goals and had 36 assists, earning him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team.
Over the next few seasons, Sundstrom continued to be a top player for the Canucks. He had his best season in 1984-85, when he scored 31 goals and had 49 assists. He also helped lead the Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the New York Islanders.
In 1986, Sundstrom was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where he continued to play at a high level. He had another strong season in 1988-89, scoring 27 goals and adding 46 assists. He also helped lead the Devils to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Sundstrom's career was cut short by injuries, and he retired from the NHL in 1992. In total, he played 679 games in the NHL, scoring 209 goals and adding 396 assists. He also played for the Swedish national team, winning a silver medal at the 1986 World Championships.
After retiring from hockey, Sundstrom returned to Sweden and became a coach. He worked as an assistant coach for Skellefteå AIK and also coached the Swedish national team at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Overall, Patrik Sundstrom was a talented and versatile player who had a successful career in the NHL. He was known for his speed, skill, and ability to play multiple positions, and he helped lead his teams to the playoffs on multiple occasions. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, he remains a respected figure in the hockey world and is remembered as one of the top Swedish players of his era.
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