Erik Christensen

Erik Christensen (born December 17, 1983) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Playing career
Christensen was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round (69th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. In the 2002–03 season, Christensen received the Bob Clarke Trophy for being the leading scorer of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He tallied 108 points (54 goals) in 67 games with the Kamloops Blazers.

The 2004–05 NHL lockout left the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL) stacked with talent, but Christensen impressed Penguins management by scoring 27 points (14 goals) in his first pro season. In the 2005–06 season, he jumped out of the gate quickly, tallying 19 points (9 goals) in only 9 games. The Pittsburgh Penguins called him up on October 31, 2005.

Christensen scored his first NHL goal on November 3, 2005 against the New York Islanders (against goaltender Rick DiPietro) at 15:43 into the 2nd period. Another promising rookie for the Penguins in 2005–06 (along with Sidney Crosby, Colby Armstrong, Ryan Whitney and others), Christensen earned 13 points (6 goals) in 33 games with the Penguins during his rookie campaign.

On February 26, 2008, the Atlanta Thrashers acquired Christensen along with Colby Armstrong, Angelo Esposito, and a 1st Round Draft Pick in a trade deadline deal that sent Marián Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to the Penguins.

On March 4, 2009, the Thrashers sent Christensen to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Eric O'Dell. He contributed 2 goals and 7 assists to the Ducks during the remainder of the season, and contributed 2 assists during the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Christensen was claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers on December 2, 2009.

Christensen has been highly valuable in shootouts his entire career. As of the end of the 09-10 season, he has scored 23 goals in 43 attempts for an impressive 53.5% success rate.

Erik's nickname is Crusher, one that he has had since he was 14 years old.

During a game against the New Jersey Devils on December 27, 2010, Christensen sustained an injury to his right knee ligament requiring him to miss four to six weeks.

Awards & Achievements

 * Bob Clarke Trophy WHL Scoring Champion (2003)