Reed Larson

Born:	July 30, 1956	Draft:	1976 Red Wings, 22nd Overall
Hometown:	Minneapolis, Minnesota	Position:	Defense
Known For:	United States Hockey Hall of Fame	Shoots:	Right
National Team:	United States	Current Status:	Retired

Reed Larson (born July 30, 1956) is a retired American ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres during the 1989-90 season. Drafted 22nd overall in the 1976 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Larson joined the team full time for the 1977-78 season after three years with the University of Minnesota. His impact had an immediate effect on the Red Wings blue line, amassing 60 points (19 goals, 41 assists) in 75 games, and finishing fifth in Calder voting for Rookie of the Year, won by Mike Bossy that year. Even more impressive is the fact that he registered at least 17 goals and 58 points in each of his first 9 seasons in the NHL, all with the Red Wings. He served as Detroit’s captain from 1980 to 1982, and helped the team reach the postseaon on three occasions.

Larson was traded to the Boston Bruins during the 1985-86 season, due to Detroit’s lost season and the Bruins need for some scoring on their blue line. He remained with the team for two seasons until he was traded to the Minnesota North Stars for a 1989 seventh-round pick and future considerations (Mike Kelfer). Larson split the season between the North Stars, Edmonton Oilers, and New York Islanders, however his offensive numbers had dropped significantly towards the tail-end of his career. His final season was played with the Sabres, playing in just one game.

He continued his hockey career oversees, playing in several Italian national leagues. During the 1992-93 season, Larson put up a staggering 78 points in 32 games with Courmaosta of the Italy2 league. During the 1994-95 season, he left Courmaosta to return to North America, appearing in the International Hockey League for nine games with the Minnesota Moose. He called it a career at the conclusion of the season, pursuing work with an insurance business and partaking in charity old-timer hockey games.