Per Gustafsson


Per Tage Gustafsson is a Swedish ice hockey defenceman who played over 700 games for HV71 in the Swedish Elitserien. He is a three-times Swedish champion and a World Championship silver medalist. In the late 1990s he played in the NHL for Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, totalling 35 points in 89 games.

Playing career

Gustafsson is an established two-way defenceman with an accurate shot. He has got good vision for the game and is one of the best power play players in Sweden. He has been unfortunate with injuries during his career but has always made comebacks.
Gustafsson was drafted in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by Florida Panthers with their 11th pick, 261st overall. He only played two seasons, 1996–97 and 1997–98, in the NHL and AHL. Playing for Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, he totalled 89 games for 35 points.
Pelle G, as he is called by the fans, has played for HV71, where is also assistant captain, for 18 seasons and is one of the best defencemen in the club's history. He has the club record for most played regular season and playoff games.
In Elitserien season 1991–92 Gustafsson scored a goal against Luleå HF just after six seconds, which is still Elitserien's record for fastest goal.

Awards and achievements

International play

Gustafsson made his debut in the Swedish national team on April 12, 1992, in Moscow in a match against the Russian national team. He has played for Sweden in the following competitions: