Lars Jonsson

Lars Jonsson (born January 2, 1982, in Borlänge, Sweden) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player, currently with Brynäs IF in Elitserien. He is an alternate captain of the team.

Playing career
Jonsson began playing for Leksands IF of Elitserien in 1999. Shortly after the season ended, he was drafted in the first round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins. Although the Bruins continually showed interest in him, attempting to sign him several times, they ran into issues with the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, which now states that European prospects will no longer remain indefinite property of the teams that draft them. As a result, the Bruins chose not to sign him and decided to instead receive the 37th overall pick in the 2006 Draft as compensation.

On the first day of free agency, Jonsson signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. He alternated between the Flyers and their AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms. Although an ankle sprain caused him to miss the beginning of the 2006–07 season, he started with the Flyers, mainly on the powerplay, but he was sent down to play for the Phantoms after two games to adjust to North American hockey. He was called back up to the Flyers on November 21, 2006. He was later reassigned to the Phantoms on September 27, 2007.

Having spent two seasons in North America, Jonsson returned to the Swedish Elitserien by signing a two-year contract with Brynäs IF on May 15, 2008.

Awards

 * Named Best Defenseman in TV-pucken in 1998.
 * Bronze medal at the IIHF World U18 Championship in 2000.
 * Promotion to Elitserien with Leksands IF in 2002.

International play
Played for Sweden in:


 * 2000 World Junior Ice Hockey U18 Championships (Bronze Medal)
 * 2002 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships