Ricard Persson: The Journey of a Swedish Defensive Stalwart
In the world of professional ice hockey, few players embody the resilience and international versatility of Ricard Persson. A skilled defenseman known for his presence on the ice, Persson's career spanned over two decades, taking him from the competitive leagues of Sweden to the bright lights of the National Hockey League (NHL) and eventually across the various professional circuits of Europe and Asia.
Born on August 24, 1969, in Östersund, Sweden, Persson developed his foundational skills in his native country before making his mark on the global stage. Standing 6 ft 2 in and weighing 205 lb, his physical stature made him a formidable force in the defensive zone.
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Key Facts
- Position: Defence
- NHL Draft: 23rd overall in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.
- NHL Teams: New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, and Ottawa Senators.
- International Play: Represented Sweden in the World Junior Championships and the World Championships.
- Career Span: 1987–2010.
Early Career and the Path to North America
Persson's professional journey began in Sweden. After being drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, he made the strategic decision to remain in his home country to hone his craft. He spent eight seasons in the Elitserien (the top-tier Swedish league), playing six seasons with Leksands IF and two with Malmö IF.
It wasn't until the 1994–1995 season that Persson made the leap to North American hockey. He initially joined the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League (AHL)—the primary developmental league for the NHL—during the playoffs after concluding his regular season in Sweden.
NHL Career and Defining Moments
Persson's transition to the NHL was marked by several key stints. He made his debut with the New Jersey Devils in the 1995–1996 season, appearing in 12 games. However, it was with the St. Louis Blues that he found his most consistent rhythm in the NHL.
The St. Louis Blues Era
While injuries and time spent with the Blues' minor league affiliate, the Worcester IceCats, occasionally interrupted his momentum, Persson delivered a memorable moment during the 1999 playoffs. In Game 7 of the first-round matchup against the Phoenix Coyotes, Persson recorded the primary assist on a series-winning goal during the first overtime, when his shot from the top of the faceoff circle was deflected into the net by Pierre Turgeon.
The Ottawa Senators and Controversial Moments
In the 2000–2001 season, Persson signed as a free agent with the Ottawa Senators. His tenure there was hampered by an ankle injury during his first year. His time in Ottawa is also remembered for a controversial penalty involving Tie Domi. While Persson was widely blamed for a penalty that contributed to the Senators losing a playoff series to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Domi later noted in his autobiography that he had intentionally thrown himself toward the boards to draw the infraction.
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Global Travels and Retirement
Following his time in the NHL, Persson embarked on an extensive international tour. He spent three years in Germany playing for Eisbären Berlin in the DEL, followed by two seasons in Austria with EC KAC. His career then took him to the Asia League Ice Hockey with the Oji Eagles for two seasons, and finally to Italy with SG Cortina, where he played his final professional season before retiring in 2010.
Career Statistics Summary
| League/Level | Games Played (GP) | Goals (G) | Assists (A) | Points (Pts) | Penalty Minutes (PIM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEL (Swedish Elitserien) Totals | 241 | 37 | 62 | 99 | 268 |
| NHL Totals | 229 | 10 | 44 | 54 | 262 |
| AHL Totals (Selected) | 155 | 24 | 53 | 77 | 138 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NHL teams did Ricard Persson play for?
Ricard Persson played for the New Jersey Devils, the St. Louis Blues, and the Ottawa Senators.
What was Persson's most notable NHL playoff moment?
In 1999, while playing for the St. Louis Blues, he provided the primary assist on the series-winning goal during the first overtime of Game 7 against the Phoenix Coyotes.
Did Ricard Persson play for the Swedish national team?
Yes, Persson represented Sweden in several international competitions, including the World Junior Championships and the World Championships.
Where did Persson play after his NHL career ended?
After the NHL, he played in Germany (Eisbären Berlin), Austria (EC KAC), Japan/Asia (Oji Eagles), and Italy (SG Cortina).
What was his NHL draft position?
He was selected 23rd overall in the 2nd round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.