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	Ottawa Senators Frölunda HC St. Louis Blues Montreal Canadiens JYP Washington Capitals 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 Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League (NHL). People sometimes call him "the Tiger."

Lars Eller was chosen by the St. Louis Blues as the 13th player overall in the 2007 NHL entry draft. He first played in the NHL in 2009 with the Blues. In 2010, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, where he played for six seasons. Later, in 2016, he joined the Washington Capitals.

In 2018, Lars Eller made history by becoming the first person from Denmark to win the Stanley Cup. He scored the winning goal for the Capitals in the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals. After playing briefly for the Colorado Avalanche, Eller joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023. He became the first Danish player to play in 1,000 NHL games. In 2024, he was traded back to the Capitals. Internationally, Eller has played for the Danish national team in many big tournaments, including five World Championships.

Playing Career Highlights

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

During the 2007 NHL entry draft, the St. Louis Blues picked Lars Eller as the 13th player overall. This was the highest a Danish-born and trained player had been drafted in NHL history at that time. His friend and former teammate Mikkel Bødker was later picked even higher, at number eight, in 2008.

Eller moved to North America for the 2009–10 season. He started the season playing for the Peoria Rivermen in the American Hockey League (AHL). He was called up to the St. Louis Blues and played his first NHL game on 5 November 2009. In that game, he scored his first NHL goal. Eller played seven games for the Blues that season before returning to Peoria. With the Rivermen, he was named the 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, the Blues traded Eller to the Montreal Canadiens. He joined the Canadiens for the 2010–11 season. He scored his first goal as a Canadien on 24 November. During the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs, Eller played a key role in trying to stop the Boston Bruins' best players. He played through a dislocated shoulder during the playoffs.

Eller had shoulder surgery in the off-season but was ready for the 2011–12 season. On 4 January 2012, Eller scored four goals and one assist in a game against the Winnipeg Jets. This was his first career hat-trick (scoring three or more goals in one game). He became the first Montreal Canadien to score four goals at home in a single game since 1993. He had his best season yet with the Canadiens, scoring more goals and assists than before. Because of his great play, he signed a new two-year contract with the Canadiens.

During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Eller played for JYP Jyväskylä in Finland. He scored five goals and 10 assists in 15 games there. He returned to the Canadiens in January 2013. During the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, Eller was injured in a game against the Ottawa Senators. He recovered from this injury during the summer.

Eller with the Montreal Canadiens in January 2015

Eller returned to play for the Montreal Canadiens in the 2013–14 season. He was named the Second Star of the Week for the first week of October. He had a great start to the season, scoring many points. He often played as a centre between Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher. Eller finished the regular season with 12 goals and 14 assists. He also led all Canadiens forwards in hits.

The Canadiens made it to the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs. Eller continued to play well, setting new career highs in games, goals, assists, and points. He helped the Canadiens reach the Eastern Conference finals. On 24 July 2014, Eller signed a new four-year contract with the Canadiens.

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

After six seasons, Eller was traded from the Canadiens to the Washington Capitals on 24 June 2016. He joined the Capitals for the 2016–17 season. He often played on the third line. Eller helped the Capitals make it to the 2017 playoffs. The Capitals won the Presidents' Trophy, which means they were the best team in the regular season.

Eller returned to the Capitals for the 2017–18 season. On 10 February 2018, he signed a new five-year contract with the team. He finished the season with 18 goals and 20 assists. On 7 June, Eller won his first Stanley Cup when the Capitals beat the Vegas Golden Knights. Eller scored the goal that won the Cup! He finished the playoffs with seven goals and 11 assists. He became the first NHL player born in Denmark to win a Stanley Cup. He also became the first player to bring the Cup to Denmark.

After winning the Stanley Cup, Eller took on more responsibility for the Capitals. In the 2018–19 season opener, he scored a goal against the Boston Bruins. On 19 October, Eller had three assists in one game, which was a personal best for him. He continued to play well, especially when other players were injured. He helped the Capitals win their fourth straight division title. After the Capitals were eliminated from the playoffs, Eller joined the Danish team at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.

Eller (middle) battling against Jakub Voráček and Zack Werenski in February 2022

In the shortened 2019–20 season, Eller had a career-high 39 points. He also matched his best number of assists with 23. When the NHL started playing again after the COVID-19 pandemic, Eller joined the Capitals for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs qualifiers.

Short Time with the Colorado Avalanche (2023)

On 1 March 2023, the Capitals traded Eller to the Colorado Avalanche. He played his first game with the Avalanche that same night. He finished the regular season with three goals and four assists in 24 games. He did not score any points in the playoffs, and the Avalanche lost their first-round series.

Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins (2023–2024)

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

Returning to Washington (2024–2025)

On 12 November 2024, the Penguins traded Eller back to the Capitals. He played for the Capitals again for the rest of the 2024–25 season.

Joining the Ottawa Senators (2025–present)

After his second time with the Capitals, Eller decided to keep playing in the NHL. He signed a one-year contract with the Ottawa Senators on 1 July 2025 for the 2025–26 season.

Personal Life

Lars Eller grew up in Rødovre, Denmark. His father, Olaf Eller, was also a Danish international ice hockey player and a coach. Olaf Eller also works as a commentator for Danish TV. Lars's younger brother, Mads, also played junior hockey and for the Danish national junior team. Their half-brother, Michael Smidt, also played for the Danish national team. 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 Games

International Games

Awards and Honours