SEATTLE — After more than a decade playing in the NHL, the Kraken's Adam Larsson has played in over 850 games.
The 6-foot-3 defenseman is one of the most respected players on the team. "I still love the game. Try to get all on the ice every single day," said Larsson, 31.
He's an alternate captain and one of the veteran leaders for the Kraken. "It's a fun challenge, I mean we have so many older guys that lead every day," said Larsson.
Larsson grew up in the northern part of Sweden. His father and brother also played hockey, but that wasn't the only sport Larsson enjoyed.
"I played a lot of soccer growing up too, and obviously when you get up in age you have to pick and choose," he said. "I always went to the rink with my dad and he played for the hometown team, and I was always leaning towards hockey, but still to this day I still love soccer."
In 2007, Larsson started playing for one of the top youth hockey teams in Sweden. Just a few years later, he was drafted by New Jersey in 2011.
Larsson played for the Devils and Oilers before coming to Seattle.
He's played on some good teams with great players, but in Seattle, he said he's loved the chance to become a mentor, friend and teammate to fellow defenseman, Vince Dunn.
"We have a good connection off the ice and that helps on the ice too," said Larsson.
Adam Larsson has become a big deal for the Kraken. But in Seattle, the fans would rather call Larsson: "the Big Cat."
"It's fun, I don't know where that came from or who brought it up," he said. "And at this point, I can't change anything."