Erik Karlsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey player, born on May 31, 1990, in Landsbro, Sweden. His full name is Erik Sven Gunnar Karlsson. Raised in a hockey-loving country, Karlsson developed his talent at an early age and soon emerged as a standout defenseman.
He made his Elitserien (now known as the Swedish Hockey League) debut for Frölunda HC on March 1, 2008. In that game, he scored the game-winning goal with assists from Tomi Kallio and Magnus Kahnberg, securing a playoff berth for Frölunda with three games left in the regular season. Karlsson, however, finished the 2007–08 season with Frölunda's J20 team, competing in the J20 SuperElit playoffs.
The J20 team went on to win the Swedish junior championship by defeating Brynäs IF 2–1 in the final, earning the prestigious Anton Cup.
Karlsson was selected 15th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. The pick was announced by then-Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, a fellow Swede and former Frölunda player. Karlsson quickly became a cornerstone of the Senators' defense, known for his exceptional skating, offensive instincts, and puck-handling abilities.
During his time in Ottawa, Karlsson earned multiple accolades, including two Norris Trophies as the NHL’s top defenseman in 2012 and 2015. His leadership and skill made him one of the league’s most dynamic blue-liners.
| Birth Date: | 31 May, 1990 |
| Age: | 29 yrs |
| Occupations: | Ice hockey player |
| Citizenship: | Sweden |
| Birth Place: | Landsbro |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Swedish ice hockey player |
| Net Worth 2021: | 1.2 million |
