Lars-Erik Sjöberg

Who was Lars-Erik Sjöberg?

Lars-Erik "Taxen" Sjöberg was a Swedish ice hockey defenceman. He played in Sweden from 1962 to 1974; and in North America for the Winnipeg Jets in the WHA and NHL from 1974–80.

Sjöberg won the Golden Puck as the Swedish player of the Year in 1968–69 and was named best defenceman at the 1974 IIHF World Championships. He was the first non-North American born and raised captain in the NHL, wearing the "C" for the Winnipeg Jets during their first season in the NHL. On the Jets he was nicknamed "The Professor" and "The Little General." He captained the Swedish National Team at the 1976 Canada Cup.

Sjöberg was working as a scout for the New York Rangers when he died of cancer in 1987. To honour him the Rangers each year gives out the Lars-Erik Sjöberg Award to the best rookie in the training camp.