Rolf Edberg

Rolf :The Rat" Edberg came to the NHL with terrific credentials. He was a standout with AIK Solna 8 years in the Swedish Elite League. He also starred in two World Championships.

After being named as the best player in all of Sweden following the 1977-78 season, the Washington Capitals won the Rolf Edberg free agent sweepstakes. never drafted by a NHL team, Edberg received several offers from the NHL, WHA and Sweden.

Edberg's first season was good, though not great. He chipped in 14 goals and 41 points and was solid in his own zone. He also played extremely cleanly, picking up just 3 minor penalties.

In 1979-80 Rolf took a positive step forward, upping his numbers up to 23 goals and 46 points. But in 1980-81, Rolf had a season he'd like to forget.

It started out with Rolf being demoted to almost nothing but penalty killing duty. Then he severely hurt his back. Upon his return he was placed on a top line with Bengt Gustafsson and Dennis Ververgaert. The line clicked immediately, but the excitement was short lived. Edberg suffered his second serious injury of the season - a broken jaw courtesy of Phil Russell.

Edberg's contract ran out at the completion of the 1980-81 season, and he apparantly had had enough. Edberg returned to Sweden where he finished his career.