Thomas Gradin
15 Interesting Facts
Thomas Gradin was a pioneering Swedish center and dynamic playmaker who became a key star and Ring of Honour member for the Vancouver Canucks before serving as a defining scout for the franchise.
He was inducted into the Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honour in 2011.
As a head European scout, he was instrumental in convincing management to draft Daniel and Henrik Sedin in 1999.
He was one of the first European players to suit up for the Vancouver Canucks, joining the team in 1978.
He set a then-Canucks franchise single-season record by recording 86 points during the 1981–82 season.
He led his team in playoff scoring with 19 points in 17 games during their run to the 1982 Stanley Cup Final.
He won the Viking Award as the best Swedish player in the NHL in 1982.
He served as team captain for Sweden at the 1984 Canada Cup, leading them to the final against Canada.
He was selected 45th overall in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft by the Chicago Black Hawks.
He played on a famous line with fellow rookies Stan Smyl and Curt Fraser during his first NHL season.
He represented Sweden at three consecutive World Junior Championships from 1974 to 1976, winning a bronze medal in 1975.
He was selected 9th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1976 WHA Amateur Draft.
He was appointed Honorary Consul at the Swedish Consulate in Vancouver in September 2013.
His younger brother was also a star hockey player in Sweden during the 1980s but was never drafted into the NHL.
He began playing men's hockey at just 14 years old for Långsele AIF's Division 3 team.
He made a brief two-game comeback in Sweden's top league with Västerås IK during the 1996–97 season.
About Thomas Gradin
Thomas Gradin was a standout Swedish centre who became one of the Vancouver Canucks' first European star players. Over eight seasons in Vancouver, he set single-season franchise scoring records, led the team to the 1982 Stanley Cup Final, and accumulated 550 points before finishing his NHL career with the Boston Bruins. Following his playing career, he transitioned into a highly successful European scout for the Canucks, famously helping draft future stars like the Sedin twins.
Career Achievements & Milestones
Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honour
2011
NHL All-Star Game
1985
Viking Award
1982
Canada Cup Finalist
1984
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Thomas Gradin.
Player Info
Physical Stats
Career Stats
Season Scoring
Teams & Career
Thomas Gradin played for 6 different teams during his 9 seasons career. He was originally drafted 3rd overall by the Chicago Black Hawks in 1976.