1
He was the first American defenseman in NHL history to reach the 200-goal milestone.
15 Interesting Facts About Reed Larson
Reed Larson was a pioneering American defenseman and former Detroit Red Wings captain who became the first U.S.-born blueliner to score 200 NHL goals.
Position
Defense
Jersey
#25
Status
Retired
Teams
11
Facts
15
2
He represented his country at three NHL All-Star Games in 1978, 1980, and 1981.
3
He served as team captain of the Detroit Red Wings during his decade-long tenure with the franchise.
4
He developed his powerful slap shot arm strength while water skiing and practicing gymnastics during off-seasons.
5
He was drafted 22nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1976 NHL Entry Draft.
6
He spent three collegiate seasons playing under legendary head coach Herb Brooks at the University of Minnesota.
7
He scored 60 points in his first full NHL season, setting the mark for the most points by a rookie defenseman in 1977-78.
8
He was traded from Detroit to Boston in 1986 in exchange for defenseman Mike O'Connell.
9
He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996.
10
He was drafted 220th overall by the Minnesota Fighting Saints in the 1974 WHA draft.
11
He led his high school team in scoring during the 1973-1974 season while attending Minneapolis Roosevelt High School.
12
He joined the Red Wings late in the 1976-77 season after receiving a college suspension for assaulting an official.
13
He missed the 1977 World Championships due to a shoulder injury despite being named to Team USA.
14
He scored two goals in nine games while playing for the IHL's Minnesota Moose in his final professional season in 1994-95.
15
He played six games in Roller Hockey International for the Minnesota Arctic Blast in 1994.
About Reed Larson
A hard-shooting American defenseman, he served as team captain for the Detroit Red Wings and became the first U.S.-born blueliner to score 200 NHL goals. Over a 904-game NHL career, he earned three NHL All-Star selections before finishing his playing days as a player-coach in Italy and in the IHL.
Career Achievements & Milestones
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United States Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee
1996
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Lester Patrick Trophy Recipient
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NHL All-Star Game Selection
1978
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All-WCHA First Team
1975-76
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Reed Larson.
Player Info
Country: United States
Position: Defense
Jersey #: 25
Status: Retired
Age: 70 years old
Physical Stats
Height: 6' 0" (183 cm)
Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg)
Born: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Career Stats
Seasons: 19
Goals: 222
Assists: 463
Points: 685
Teams: 11
Drafted: 1976
Round: 2nd
Teams & Career
Detroit Red Wings Boston Bruins Maine Mariners Edmonton Oilers New York Islanders Minnesota North Stars Buffalo Sabres HC Alleghe HC Milano Saima HC Courmaosta Minnesota Moose
Reed Larson played for 11 different teams during his 19 seasons career. He was originally drafted 2nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 1976.