Dick Tärnström



Dick Tärnström (b. January 20th 1975 in Sundbyberg, Sweden) is a professional defenseman who plays in the National Hockey League for the Edmonton Oilers.

Tärnström began his career with AIK IF of the Elitserien, with which he played 9 seasons as a pro, from 1992 to 2001. He then signed with the New York Islanders, who had drafted him 272th overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He played the most part of his first NHL season with the Isles, spending only a handful of games with the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

He ends up with the Pittsburgh Penguins the following season, where he becomes the team's top scorer, notching 52 points in 80 games, thus becoming the first defenseman in the team's history to lead it in points. He and the Pens' late season acquisition Richard Jackman become a deadly pair on the powerplay.

Tärnström returned to his native Sweden during the lock-out to join Södertälje SK, along with his long-time AIK teammate Niclas Hävelid.

On January 26th 2006, he is traded to the Oilers for Cory Cross and Jani Rita. He reached with them the Stanley Cup's finals.

Tärnström defended the Tre Kronor's colours at the 2003 and 2004 World Championship, winning both times the silver medal, and at the 2004 World Cup.