Vancouver, B.C. – The Vancouver Canucks announced today the selection of Thomas Gradin for induction into the club’s Ring of Honour. The Vancouver Canucks will celebrate Gradin’s Ring of Honour Night, presented by Save-On-Foods, Monday, January 24th during a pre-game ceremony at Rogers Arena prior to Vancouver’s game versus Dallas. The former Canucks centreman becomes the third Ring of Honour inductee after original franchise captain, Orland Kurtenbach and former Canucks goaltender Kirk McLean were unveiled earlier this season.

One of Vancouver’s first European-born players, Gradin played eight of his nine NHL seasons in a Vancouver Canucks uniform from 1978.79 to 1985.86. He finished second in scoring in his rookie season, recording 51 points (20-31-51) in 76 regular season games played. During his rookie postseason, he led all Canucks skaters in scoring with five points (4-1-5) in three playoff games played. He left Vancouver as the highest scoring centreman in franchise history with 550 points (197-353-550) in 613 regular season games and 38 points (17-21-38) in 38 playoff games played for the Canucks.

Gradin led the Canucks in scoring twice, from 1980-1982 and was named an NHL All-Star in 1985. He helped Vancouver to its first ever Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1982 when he registered a team-high 19 points (9-10-19) in 17 playoff games played. In Vancouver’s first Stanley Cup Final game versus the New York Islanders, Gradin tied a franchise record for most points in a playoff game when he registered three points (2-1-3) in a 6-5 loss.

During his time as a member of the Canucks, the Solleftea, Sweden, native set a number of franchise records. In 1981.82 he became the first Canucks player to register 80 points in a single season, finishing the year with 86 points (37-49-86). He became the Canucks all-time leading scorer with his 408th point, Jan. 4/84, passing former leading scorer Don Lever, and on Mar. 8/85 became the first member of the Canucks to register 500 NHL points.

Gradin played a total of 677 NHL games, retiring with the Boston Bruins. He recorded 593 points (209-384) during his tenure in the NHL, including three 30+ goal seasons. The skilled forward was originally selected by the Chicago Blackhawks 45th overall in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft. Gradin currently works as Associate Chief Amateur Scout for the Vancouver Canucks. He has served more than 15 years in a scouting capacity for Vancouver, originally starting as an amateur scout in the 1994.95 season.

The Ring of Honour tradition launched this season celebrates and salutes Canucks heroes who have made a lasting impact on the franchise. A total of four members will be inducted this season with one remaining inductee still to be announced. Ring of Honour candidates are selected by an advisory committee including former player and current Senior Advisor to the General Manager, Stan Smyl, Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster, Jim Robson and former Canucks staff member of over 30 years, Norm Jewison.

Further information about the Ring of Honour and the Canucks 40th Anniversary season, can be found at Canucks.com/40th.