Christian Hanson

Christian David Hanson (born March 10, 1986) is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Washington Capitals. Prior to playing for the Capitals, Hanson played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the Toronto Marlies. He played amateur hockey for the University of Notre Dame. He was not selected in the NHL Entry Draft when he was eligible, but signed a free agent contract with the Maple Leafs after his senior season. His father is Dave Hanson, who also played professional hockey but was most notable for his role in the movie Slap Shot.

He played for Planet USA in the 2010 AHL All-Star Game in Portland, Maine.

He attended high school at Peters Township High School, where he was a member of their Pennsylvania State AA Hockey Championship teams. He played Midget "AAA" hockey for the Pittsburgh Hornets, where he was a teammate of Los Angeles Kings prospect Patrick Mullen. Those teams have produced many Junior A and College players, as well as some playing professional.

Hanson was signed a two-year, $1.575-million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 31, 2009, which included an annual $87,500 signing bonus.

Hanson made his NHL debut on April 3, 2009 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Four nights later, Hanson scored his first career NHL goal against Martin Brodeur in a 4–1 win over the New Jersey Devils. This goal tied his father's career goal mark as well. On April 10, 2010, Hanson recorded his first short-handed goal and his first multi-goal game versus Montreal. Hanson was selected on the Team USA roster for the 2010 World Hockey Championship.

On 10 July 2011 he signed with the Capitals as an unrestricted free agent.