Thomas Gradin Thomas Kjell Gradin ( born February 18 , 1956 in Sollefteå , Sweden ) was a professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League ( NHL ) from 1978 to 1987 . He is best remembered for the 8 seasons he spent with the Vancouver Canucks , and remains one of the top players in that franchise ' s history . NHL career . Gradin was already one of the top players in the Swedish Elitserien when he was drafted by the Chicago Black Hawks in the third round ( 45th overall ) in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft . Chicago spent two years trying to lure Gradin to North America , but were unable to agree to contract terms . During this time Gradin , now playing for AIK , continued to establish himself as one of the top talents outside of the NHL . The Black Hawks ended the stalemate by trading Gradin ' s NHL rights to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a draft pick in June 1978 . Gradin was one of three Swedes ( Lars Zetterstrom and Lars Lindgren being the others ) to join the Canucks for the 1978 – 79 NHL season , becoming the first European players in the club ' s history . He was an instant hit , playing on a line with fellow rookies Stan Smyl and Curt Fraser , he led the team in assists ( 31 ) and finished second in scoring ( 51 points ) in his rookie campaign , and added 4 goals in 3 playoff games . As a result , he was named team co - MVP . In ensuing seasons , Gradin would establish himself as arguably the most skilled player in the franchise ' s history to that point . He jumped to 75 points in 1979 – 80 , and starting in 1980 – 81 , he would lead the team in assists in 4 consecutive seasons . He led the team in scoring in 1980 – 81 and 1981 – 82 . His 86 points in 1981 – 82 set a franchise record , although it was broken the following season by Stan Smyl . Perhaps his finest moment came in the 1982 playoffs , when he led the Canucks in scoring with 19 points in 17 games en route to their surprising appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals . He would play in his only NHL All - Star Game in 1985 . By 1985 – 86 , he had established himself as the franchise ' s all - time leading scorer , but was now the teams # 2 centre behind Patrik Sundstrom . During that season , his production fell to a career - low 41 points . With the club ' s acquisition of Barry Pederson , Gradin became expendable and was allowed to sign as a free agent with the Boston Bruins . He would have a solid season in Boston in 1986 – 87 , finishing with 43 points in just 64 games , but chose to retire from the NHL at that point . After leaving the NHL , Gradin returned to Sweden and AIK , and turned in three more solid seasons there before retiring in 1990 . He would make a brief comeback in 1996 – 97 at the age of 40 before hanging up his gear for good . Gradin finished his NHL career with 209 goals and 384 assists for 593 points in 677 games . He also added 42 points in 42 playoff games . Peter Gradin , Thomas ' younger brother , was also a star hockey player in Sweden throughout the 1980s although he was never drafted by an NHL team . International career . Gradin ' s most notable contribution internationally came at the 1984 Canada Cup , where he captained Sweden ' s entry and led them to the finals before losing to Canada . He would also represent Sweden at the 1981 Canada Cup where they finished 5th . He only took part in one World Championships , in 1978 . Gradin also starred for Sweden at the 1974 , 1975 , and 1976 World Junior Championships , helping them to a bronze medal in 1975 . Scouting career . Gradin was named Vancouver part - time amateur scout prior to the 1994 – 95 NHL season and remained in that position through the 1995 – 96 NHL season . Prior to the 1996 – 97 NHL season , he was named Vancouver full - time amateur scout and then had his title upgraded to head European scout prior to the 1998 – 99 NHL season and remained in that position into the 2006 – 07 NHL season . He played a key scouting role in Vancouver ' s decision to draft the Sedin twins , Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin , second and third overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft . More recently , he has been lauded for discovering Alexander Edler , now one of the Canucks ' top defensive prospects , when he was a complete unknown playing in the Swedish 3rd division , and convincing Vancouver management to select him in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft . Awards and achievements . Gradin also set many other Canuck records which have since been broken . Most notably , he was the franchise ' s all - time leading scorer until he was passed by his long - time teammate Stan Smyl , who has since been surpassed by Trevor Linden and Markus Näslund .