Ulf Samuelsson is a former professional ice hockey player from Sweden who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 16 seasons. He was known for his physical and aggressive style of play, often leading the league in penalty minutes.
Samuelsson began his professional career in Sweden before being drafted by the Hartford Whalers in 1982. He made his NHL debut in the 1984-85 season and quickly established himself as a tough and reliable defenseman. He played for the Whalers for six seasons before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991.
With the Penguins, Samuelsson became a key member of the team's defense and helped them win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. He was known for his ability to shut down opposing teams' top players and was often paired with fellow defenseman Paul Coffey.
In 1995, Samuelsson was traded to the New York Rangers, where he played for four seasons. He was named team captain in his final season with the Rangers. He then played for the Detroit Red Wings and the Philadelphia Flyers before retiring in 2000.
Throughout his career, Samuelsson was known for his physical play and willingness to stand up for his teammates. He was also a skilled defenseman, with a strong shot and good passing ability. He finished his NHL career with 57 goals and 275 assists in 1,080 games played.
After retiring from playing, Samuelsson went on to become a coach and has worked with several NHL teams, including the Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks. He also coached the Swedish national team at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Overall, Ulf Samuelsson was a tough and skilled defenseman who played a key role on several championship teams during his NHL career. His physical style of play made him a fan favorite and his leadership qualities were recognized by his teammates and coaches.
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