Calle Johansson

Carl Christian "Calle" Johansson (born February 14, 1967, in Gothenburg, Sweden) is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League between 1987 and 2004. He has worked as hockey colour commentator for Swedish Canal+ but starting with season 2006–07 appointed as assistant coach for Frölunda HC in the Swedish Elitserien.

Playing career
Johansson was drafted out of Sweden by the Buffalo Sabres, he was picked 14th overall by the Sabres in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. His first season, 1987–88, was a good one, as he compiled 38 assists and 42 points and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. However, the next season he was traded to the Washington Capitals along with a second round draft choice in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft for Clint Malarchuk, Grant Ledyard, and a sixth round draft pick in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.

Johansson prospered in Washington, as he became one of Washington's best defenceman over the next 15 seasons. Although he was behind the shadow of higher profile defencemen in Washington, such as Scott Stevens, Rod Langway, Kevin Hatcher, Al Iafrate and Sergei Gonchar, he was a solid contributor for the club. In the 1992–93 NHL season, Johansson was part of the defense core in Washington that set a new record for team defence scoring. Although Hatcher, Iafrate and Sylvain Côté all scored over 20 goals, Johansson helped get to the record with his seven goals.

Johansson was part of the Washington team that made their improbable run to the Stanley Cup finals in 1998, but the Capitals were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings.

Johansson retired after the 2002–03 NHL season, but the Toronto Maple Leafs persuaded him to come back and help their team in their playoff run the next season. However, the Leafs failed to win the Cup, and Johansson retired for good after the playoffs.

Awards

 * Swedish Champion with IF Björklöven in 1987.
 * Named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1988.
 * Gold medal at the 1991 and 1992 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships.

Records

 * Washington Capitals' franchise record for career games played (983).

International play
Johansson has played for Sweden in the following competitions:


 * 1983 European Junior Championships
 * 1984 European Junior Championship
 * 1985 World Junior Championships (gold medal)
 * 1986 World Junior Championship
 * 1987 World Junior Championship (bronze medal)
 * 1991 Canada Cup
 * 1991 World Championship (gold medal)
 * 1992 World Championships (gold medal)
 * 1996 World Cup of Hockey (silver medal)
 * 1998 Winter Olympics