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Thomas Gradin

Born:Feb. 18, 1956Draft:1976 Chicago Blackhawks 45th Overall
Hometown:Sollefteå, SwedenPosition:Center
Known For:Vancouver Canucks
Ring of Honor
Shoots/Catches:Left
National Team:SwedenCurrent Status:Retired

Thomas Kjell Gradin (born February 18, 1956) is a Swedish associate head scout for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL) and a former professional ice hockey center who played in the NHL and the Swedish Elite League (SEL) from 1975 to 1990.

Following his rookie season in the SEL, Gradin was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks 45th overall in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft. After being traded to the Canucks in 1978, he moved to North America to begin his NHL career. Over eight seasons in Vancouver, Gradin established himself as the team’s all-time leading scorer and competed in the 1982 Stanley Cup Finals and the 1985 NHL All-Star Game. After a one-year stint with the Boston Bruins, Gradin returned to Sweden, where he finished off his playing career with his former SEL team, AIK.

In 1994, Gradin returned to the Canucks organization as a scout. His efforts in that capacity helped the team draft Swedish players like Daniel SedinHenrik SedinMattias Öhlund, and Alexander Edler. The team inducted Gradin into their Ring of Honour in 2011.

Thomas Gradin Statistics

Deeper Dive

Staff History

  • AIK – Coach (1990 – 1991)
  • AIK – Assistant Coach (1991 – 1992)
  • Vancouver Canucks – Scout (1994 – Present)

Achievements

  • 2x TV-Pucken Best Forward – Sven Tumbas Stipendium (1972, 1973)
  • U18 EJC Gold Medal (1974)
  • U19 EJC Best Forward (1974)
  • Swedish Junior Player of the Year – Åres Junior (1975)
  • U18 EJC Bronze Medal (1975)
  • Elitserien SM Silver Medal (1975)
  • NHL Best Swedish Player – Viking Award (1982)

Sources