Patrik Sundström, a Swedish ice hockey player, embarked on his NHL journey when he was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. Selected in the ninth round as the 175th overall pick, Sundström began his North American career with the Canucks in the 1982-1983 season. Prior to joining the NHL, he had already established himself in Sweden, playing for IF Björklöven in the Swedish leagues.
During his rookie season with the Canucks, Sundström quickly adapted to the North American style of play. He demonstrated his offensive skills by scoring 23 goals and providing 42 assists, totaling 65 points in 77 games. His performance earned him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team, highlighting his potential as a valuable player in the league.
Sundström continued to be a consistent performer for the Canucks over the next few seasons. In the 1983-1984 season, he improved his point total to 91, scoring 38 goals and adding 53 assists. This performance placed him among the top scorers on the team and showcased his ability to contribute significantly to the Canucks' offensive efforts.
After five seasons with Vancouver, Sundström was traded to the New Jersey Devils in 1987. The trade marked a new chapter in his career, and he continued to be a reliable player for the Devils. In New Jersey, Sundström played a crucial role in the team's success during the late 1980s. One of his most memorable performances came during the 1988 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he set a record for the most points in a single playoff game. On April 22, 1988, Sundström scored eight points (three goals and five assists) in a game against the Washington Capitals, a record that still stands today.
Throughout his time with the Devils, Sundström was known for his playmaking abilities and his knack for finding the back of the net. He played with the team until the end of the 1991-1992 season, after which he returned to Sweden to continue his hockey career. Sundström rejoined IF Björklöven and later played for Luleå HF in the Swedish leagues before retiring from professional hockey.
Patrik Sundström's NHL career spanned a decade, during which he played 679 regular-season games, scored 219 goals, and recorded 369 assists, totaling 588 points.
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