Adam Larsson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Adam Larsson
Larsson with the Seattle Kraken in January 2023
Born	(1992-11-12) 12 November 1992 (age 32) Skellefteå, Sweden
Height	6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight	215 lb (98 kg; 15 st 5 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Right
NHL team Former teams	Seattle Kraken Skellefteå AIK New Jersey Devils Edmonton Oilers
National team	Sweden
NHL Draft	4th overall, 2011 New Jersey Devils
Playing career	2009–present

Adam Larsson (born 12 November 1992) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player. He plays as a defenceman, which means he helps protect his team's goal. He is also an alternate captain for the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League (NHL).

The New Jersey Devils chose Adam as the fourth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. At that time, he was the youngest player on his team, Skellefteå AIK. He was also the first defenceman and first European player picked in that draft.

Adam's Early Life and Family

Adam Larsson was born in Skellefteå, Sweden, on 12 November 1992. His father, Robert Larsson, also played ice hockey for Skellefteå AIK. Robert played many games for the team from 1985 to 1995.

Adam has an older brother named Hampus and a younger sister named Julia. His father was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1988 but never played in North America.

Adam's Hockey Journey

Playing for Skellefteå AIK (2009–2011)

In the 2008–09 season, Adam played in Sweden's junior league, the J20 SuperElit. He even played with his older brother, Hampus. The 2009–10 season was a big step for Adam. He scored two goals in a game for Skellefteå AIK in the Elitserien. By the end of that season, he had 17 points, which was a record for young defencemen.

Adam played fewer games in the 2010–11 season because of an injury. He finished with nine points. He was nominated for the Elitserien Rookie of the Year award.

Joining the New Jersey Devils (2011–2016)

The New Jersey Devils picked Adam fourth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Experts saw him as a top European player. He signed a three-year contract with the Devils. This was a big deal for a top draft pick.

Adam became the first 18-year-old defenceman to play for the Devils since 1995. He quickly became one of their top defencemen. He scored his first NHL goal on 11 November, just before his 19th birthday. By mid-November, he had six points. He even tied a team record by getting points in five games in a row.

In January 2012, Adam was chosen for the NHL All-Star Rookie SuperSkills Competition. At that time, he led all rookie defencemen in assists and points. However, he had to miss the event due to a wrist injury. He finished his first season with two goals and 16 assists in 65 games.

Adam made his first playoff appearance in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. He scored a goal in that game, helping his team win. He was the first Devils rookie defenceman to score in his first playoff game.

Due to an NHL lockout, Adam played for the Albany Devils, the Devils' minor league team, in 2012–13. He had four goals and 15 assists in 33 games there. He then rejoined the New Jersey Devils. He played 37 games, getting six assists.

Larsson with the New Jersey Devils in April 2014.

Adam started the 2013–14 season with the Devils. He got injured in November 2013 and missed 21 games. He returned to the Albany Devils to get back in shape. He was recalled to the NHL in March. The Devils did not make the playoffs that season.

In the 2014–15 season, Adam missed time due to the mumps. He played 64 games for the Devils, scoring three goals and 21 assists. After this season, he signed a new six-year contract with the Devils.

Playing for the Edmonton Oilers (2016–2021)

On 29 June 2016, Adam was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. Many people were surprised by this trade. The Oilers' general manager believed Adam was a strong player who would keep getting better. Adam played on the Oilers' top defensive pair with Oscar Klefbom. They worked well together, helping the Oilers start the season strongly.

Larsson with the Oilers in January 2017.

Adam continued to be a key defenceman for the Oilers. He finished the 2016–17 season with four goals and 15 assists. In the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, Adam played a big role. He scored two goals in one playoff game against the Anaheim Ducks. He played a lot of minutes, showing his importance to the team.

Before the 2017–18 season, Adam became an alternate captain for the Oilers. This was a special honor for him. He played with different partners on defence due to injuries on the team. Adam faced a very difficult personal time during this season. He played 57 games, scoring four goals and 12 points. For his strength during this tough time, he was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

In 2018, Adam won a gold medal with Team Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Championship. He returned to the Oilers for the 2018–19 season. He played all 82 games, getting 17 assists and 20 points. However, the Oilers did not make the playoffs.

In the 2019–20 season, Adam suffered a leg injury early on. He missed 22 games but returned in November. He played 49 games before the season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joining the Seattle Kraken (2021–Present)

On 21 July 2021, the Seattle Kraken picked Adam in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the Kraken. Adam shared that it was hard for him to stay with his old team after his father passed away.

Before the 2021–22 season, Adam was named one of the four alternate captains for the Kraken. He played well, especially in tough situations. His coach praised him for being a "warrior" for the team. He was also very good at helping his team when they were playing with fewer players (penalty kill).

Larsson (left) and Jonathan Toews battling for puck possession during a game in April 2023.

Adam missed some games due to COVID-19 but quickly returned. He scored his first overtime game-winning goal for the Kraken in January. He finished the season with a career-high 25 points in 81 games.

For the 2022–23 season, Adam was again named an alternate captain. He played his 700th NHL game in November 2022. He also tied a team record by getting points in seven games in a row. He finished the season with 33 points.

Adam's International Play

Larsson playing for Sweden at the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
Medal record
Representing Sweden
Men's ice hockey
World Championships
Gold	2018 Denmark
World Junior Championship
Bronze	2010 Canada
IIHF World U18 Championship
Silver	2010 Belarus

Adam has played for his home country, Sweden, many times. He played for Sweden's junior teams at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships and the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he won a bronze medal. He also won a silver medal at the 2010 IIHF World U18 Championships and was named the best defenceman of the tournament.

Adam joined the senior team for the first time at the 2016 IIHF World Championship. He later won a gold medal with Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Championship. He was also named to the All-Star team at that tournament. He has continued to represent Sweden in other World Championships.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2009	Sweden	U18	5th		6	0	2	2	4
2010	Sweden	WJC			6	1	3	4	0
2010	Sweden	U18			5	2	1	3	12
2011	Sweden	WJC	4th		6	1	3	4	4
2016	Sweden	WC	6th		8	1	3	4	4
2018	Sweden	WC			10	1	2	3	10
2019	Sweden	WC	5th		8	1	3	4	8
2022	Sweden	WC	6th		8	1	1	2	6
Junior totals					23	4	9	13	20
Senior totals					34	4	9	13	28

Awards and Honours