Markus Lauridsen

Markus Lauridsen (born February 28, 1991) is a Danish professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the Malmö Redhawks of the SHL. He is the younger brother to Oliver Lauridsen who also plays for Malmö Redhawks.

Playing career
Lauridsen originally played in his native Denmark with hometown lower division club IC Gentofte, before moving to join the Swedish youth team of Linköping HC. After one season in the J20 SuperElit in 2008–09, and with NHL aspirations, Lauridsen moved to North America to participate in a junior career in the United States Hockey League with the Green Bay Gamblers. Undrafted, Lauridsen was an overage player in his second season with the Gamblers in 2011–12, posting 30 points in in 58 games.

On the back of helping Green Bay capture the Clark Cup Championship, Lauridsen accepted an invite to join the Colorado Avalanche 2012 training camp on August 22, 2012. With the NHL lockout cancelling Colorado's training camp, Lauridsen was assigned to participate in the training camp of Avalanche AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. Signed to an AHL contract with the Monsters, Lauridsen was then re-assigned in the 2012–13 season, with inaugural Central Hockey League affiliate, the Denver Cutthroats.

Lauridsen scored his first professional goal in his first game at the Cutthroats season opener on October 19, 2012. He posted 15 points in leading the Cutthroats defense before he received a second recall to remain with the Lake Erie Monsters, finishing with 12 assists in 36 games. Towards the completion of his first professional year, Lauridsen was signed to a two-year entry level contract with the Avalanche. Lauridsen stayed with Monsters until the end of the 2014-15 AHL season.

In 2015, Lauridsen moved back to Europe. He signed in Sweden with AIK of the Allsvenskan. Next season spent Lauridsen with Leksands IF of the SHL, then he moved to Germany for one season. He played there with EHC München of the DEL. After this season, Lauridsen moved back to Sweden. He signed with HV71 of the SHL and stayed there for two seasons. Since 2020, Lauridsen plays with Malmö Redhawks of the SHL.

International play
Lauridsen has been an established member of the Danish junior teams competing at the 2008 World U18 Championship, 2009 World U18 Championship Division I, 2010 and 2011 World Junior Championships Division I. At the 2010 World Junior Championship Division I, Lauridsen was named as the Best Defenseman for the tournament and repeated his performance year later to lead all defenseman in points.

After the completion of his first professional season, Lauridsen was named to the Danish squad to make his senior debut at the 2013 World Championships. He played his first full international in an opening game defeat to Canada on May 4, 2013. Playing alongside brother Oliver, he appeared in every game for Denmark to finish with 1 assist in 7 games to help avoid relegation and finish in 12th place.

Lauridsen also participated at the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019 World Championships.