Lars Eller facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lars Eller
Eller with the Washington Capitals in February 2018
Born	(1989-05-08) 8 May 1989 (age 36) Rødovre, Denmark
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	198 lb (90 kg; 14 st 2 lb)
Position	Centre
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	Washington Capitals Frölunda HC St. Louis Blues Montreal Canadiens JYP Colorado Avalanche Pittsburgh Penguins
National team	Denmark
NHL Draft	13th overall, 2007 St. Louis Blues
Playing career	2007–present

Lars Fosgaard Eller (born 8 May 1989) is a professional ice hockey player from Denmark. He plays as a centre for the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League (NHL). People sometimes call him "the Tiger".

Lars was picked by the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the 2007 NHL entry draft. He was the 13th player chosen overall. He started playing in the NHL in 2009 with the Blues. Later, he played for the Montreal Canadiens for six seasons. In 2016, he joined the Washington Capitals.

In 2018, Lars Eller made history. He became the first person from Denmark to win the Stanley Cup. He even scored the goal that won the Stanley Cup for the Capitals! After a short time with the Colorado Avalanche, he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023. There, he became the first Danish player to play in 1,000 NHL games. In 2024, he was traded back to the Capitals. Lars has also played for the Danish national team in many big tournaments, including five World Championships.

Lars Eller's Hockey Journey

Starting with the St. Louis Blues (2009–2010)

In the 2007 NHL entry draft, the St. Louis Blues chose Lars Eller as the 13th player overall. This was the highest a Danish-born player had been drafted in NHL history at that time. Later, his friend Mikkel Bødker was drafted even higher in 2008.

Lars moved to North America for the 2009–10 season. He started playing for the Peoria Rivermen in the American Hockey League (AHL). On 5 November 2009, he played his first NHL game with the Blues. He scored his first NHL goal in that game! He played seven games for the Blues that season. With the Rivermen, he was named AHL Rookie of the Month in March 2010. He was also chosen for the 2009–10 AHL All-Rookie Team.

Time with the Montreal Canadiens (2010–2016)

On 17 June 2010, Lars Eller was traded to the Montreal Canadiens. He quickly became an important player for them. In his first season, he helped the Canadiens in the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs. He played through a shoulder injury during those playoffs.

In the 2011–12 season, Lars scored his first shorthanded goal. On 4 January 2012, he had an amazing game against the Winnipeg Jets. He scored four goals and one assist, which was his first career hat-trick! He was the first Montreal Canadien to score four goals at home in a game since 1993. He kept getting better and signed a new two-year contract with the Canadiens.

During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Lars played for JYP Jyväskylä in Finland. He scored five goals and 10 assists in 15 games. When the NHL season started again in January 2013, he returned to the Canadiens. In the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, Lars had a tough injury. He recovered and returned for the 2013–14 season. He started the season very strong, earning a "Second Star of the Week" award. He often played on a line with Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher. He finished the season with 12 goals and 14 assists.

The Canadiens made it to the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs. Lars played very well, scoring six points in five games in the first round. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals but lost. In July 2014, Lars signed a new four-year contract with the Canadiens. He played two more seasons with them, often helping his linemates score.

Eller with the Montreal Canadiens in January 2015

Winning the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals (2016–2023)

After six seasons, Lars Eller was traded to the Washington Capitals on 24 June 2016. He joined the Capitals for the 2016–17 season. He played on the third line and helped the team win the Presidents' Trophy. In the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Capitals were eliminated by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Lars returned for the 2017–18 season. In February 2018, he signed a new five-year contract with the Capitals. He finished the season with 18 goals and 20 assists. On 7 June 2018, Lars Eller won his first Stanley Cup! The Capitals beat the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Lars scored the goal that won the Cup, making him the first Danish player to win the Stanley Cup. He finished the playoffs with seven goals and 11 assists. He was also the first player to bring the Stanley Cup to Denmark.

After winning the Cup, Lars took on more responsibility for the Capitals. In the 2018–19 season, he had a memorable moment when he scored against the Boston Bruins. He also set a personal best with three assists in one game. He helped the Capitals win their fourth straight division title. After the Capitals were eliminated from the playoffs, Lars joined Denmark at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.

In the shortened 2019–20 season, Lars had a career-high 39 points. He often played in a top role when other players were injured. His line also focused on strong defense. When the NHL season restarted after the COVID-19 pandemic, Lars joined the Capitals for the playoffs.

Eller (middle) battling for the puck in February 2022

Short Time with Colorado and Pittsburgh (2023–2024)

On 1 March 2023, the Capitals traded Lars Eller to the Colorado Avalanche. He played 24 games for the Avalanche, scoring 3 goals and 7 points. He also played in the playoffs, but the Avalanche lost in the first round.

After his contract with the Avalanche ended, Lars signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on 1 July 2023. On 27 January 2024, Lars Eller played his 1,000th NHL game. He became the first Danish player ever to reach this amazing milestone!

Back to Washington (2024–Present)

On 12 November 2024, the Penguins traded Lars Eller back to the Washington Capitals. He returned to the team where he won the Stanley Cup.

Lars Eller's Family Life

Lars Eller grew up in Rødovre, Denmark. His father, Olaf Eller, was also a professional ice hockey player for Denmark. He also coached many teams. Lars's younger brother, Mads, also played junior hockey for Denmark. Their half-brother, Michael Smidt, played his whole career in Denmark and was a captain for six seasons. Lars Eller is married to Julie, and they have two children.

Career Statistics

Eller at the 2010 World Championships
Medal record
Representing  Denmark
Men's ice hockey
IIHF World U18 Championship
Silver	2006 Latvia	Division I Group B
Gold	2007 Poland	Division I Group B
World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
Gold	2007 Sweden	Division I Group A
Silver	2009 Canada	Division I Group B

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play

Awards and Honours