Anders Hedberg

Lore & Background

Hedberg signed with the Winnipeg Jets of the WHA in 1974 after being recommended by Jerry Wilson. He was part of the 'Hot Line' with Bobby Hull and Ulf Nilsson, winning Avco World Trophies in 1976 and 1978. In 1977, he became the first player to score more than 50 goals in the first 50 games of a season, with 51 goals. He later played seven NHL seasons for the New York Rangers, retiring in 1985.

In Their Own Story

The 1978–79 Rangers reached the Stanley Cup Final, facing the defending champion Montreal Canadiens, who were making their fourth straight Final appearance. It was the Rangers' first appearance in the Final since the 1972 Stanley Cup Final. The Canadiens won the best-of-seven series four games to one, winning their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup. Hedberg was part of that playoff run, during which the Rangers played 12 consecutive playoff games without losing in regulation.

Reader's Guide

Hedberg's career includes WHA stardom with the Jets, NHL play for the Rangers, and post-playing roles as an assistant to the Rangers' GM, scout and assistant GM for the Maple Leafs, GM of the Swedish national team, and Director of Player Personnel for the Ottawa Senators. He returned to the Rangers as Head Professional European Scout in 2007.

Did You Know?

• Hedberg was twice voted best junior in Sweden (1969 and 1970).
• He scored 70 goals and 61 assists in 68 games during the 1976-77 WHA season.
• He and Ulf Nilsson signed with the New York Rangers in 1978 for $600,000 per season.
• Hedberg was the first European to hold a front office job in the NHL, as assistant to the Rangers' GM.