Last season, Erik Karlsson became the first NHL defenseman in 30 years to reach a triple-digit point count. The Swede accounted for 101 points in 82 games, becoming the first Swedish defenseman and the sixth in NHL history to reach the magic limit.
"I am of course very proud and it will be fun to come home to Sweden and receive the award. Especially this price. My dad will be so happy," he says.
Erik Karlsson started his hockey career in Södertälje SK and also played for Frölunda before continuing his career in 2009 with games in the NHL and Ottawa Senators.
Today, he plays for the San Jose Sharks and has been named the NHL's best defenseman twice and named to the NHL's All-Star team seven times.
"Erik Karlsson is one of the really great Swedish hockey players. His career shines brightly and his magical last season has gone down in hockey history. Now he joins a celebratory group of hockey players – Peter Forsberg, brothers Sedin and Henrik Lundqvist – who have also won the Victoria Prize, says Stephan Rimér, responsible for the Victoria Days.
The Victoria Prize has been awarded annually since 1979. The prize will be awarded by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria during the Victoria Concert on 14 July 2023. The Victoria concert will be broadcast on SVT1 and SVT Play on Friday 14 July at 21.00.