The 2002 NHL Draft began with the Columbus Blue Jackets selecting left wing Rick Nash with the No. 1 pick and concluded the next day when the Detroit Red Wings took Ericsson, a defenseman playing for IK Vita Hasten in Sweden, in the ninth round (No. 291).

Converted from center to defense, the native of Karlskrona, Sweden played for three other Sweden clubs before turning pro and joining Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League at the age of 22 in 2006.

Ericsson's rise from the bottom of the draft to develop into a regular on defense for the Red Wings has been impressive. At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, Ericsson didn't check opposing forwards like his countryman Niklas Kronwall, who retired from the NHL on Sept. 3, 2019, or strike fear on the power play like former teammate Mike Green. He's a stay-at-home defenseman who isn't expected to be flashy.

Following two seasons with Grand Rapids, Ericsson made his NHL debut against the Calgary Flames on Feb. 22, 2008. He played eight regular-season games and none in the Stanley Cup Playoffs but was presented with a Stanley Cup ring and joined in celebrations after the Red Wings won their 11th championship.

By 2009, Ericsson found a permanent home in Detroit, and signed a six-year contract Nov. 27, 2013.

At the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Ericsson fulfilled a lifelong dream. He played alongside older brother Jimmie, a forward playing in the Swedish league, for the first time to help Sweden win a silver medal.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• Signed as a free agent by Vita Hasten (Sweden-3), October 7, 2012.
• Signed as a free agent by Sodertalje (Sweden-2), October 26, 2012.