Lars Jonsson (ice hockey)

Playing career

Jonsson began his professional career with Leksands IF of Elitserien in 1999. Shortly after that season, the Boston Bruins selected him in the first round of the 2000 NHL entry draft. The Bruins attempted to sign him several times but encountered issues with the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, which changed the rules for European prospects. They ultimately did not sign him and received the 37th overall pick in the 2006 Draft as compensation, using it to select Russian defenseman Yuri Alexandrov. On the first day of free agency, Jonsson signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. He split time between the Flyers and their AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms. An ankle sprain delayed his 2006–07 season start; he began with the Flyers on the powerplay but was sent to the Phantoms after two games to adjust. He was recalled on 21 November 2006 and later reassigned to the Phantoms on 27 September 2007. After two seasons in North America, he returned to the Swedish Elitserien by signing a two-year contract with Brynäs IF on 15 May 2008. He announced his retirement from hockey on 15 August 2013.