Barry Pederson | |||
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Born |
Big River, SK, CAN |
March 13, 1961 ||
Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
Weight | 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb) | ||
Position | Centre | ||
Shot | Right | ||
Played for |
NHL Boston Bruins Vancouver Canucks Pittsburgh Penguins Hartford Whalers AHL Maine Mariners |
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National team | Canada | ||
NHL Draft | 18th overall, 1980 Boston Bruins |
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Playing career | 1980–1992 |
Barry Alan Pederson (born March 13, 1961) is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey centre who played twelve seasons in the National Hockey League between 1980 and 1992. He finished second in NHL Awards Voting for Rookie of the Year in 1982 and was a two-time NHL All-Star. He won a Stanley Cup in 1991 with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Pederson was drafted in the first round (18th overall) by the Boston Bruins in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft after playing junior hockey with the Victoria Cougars. He would return for one more season in Victoria after being drafted, scoring 147 points in 55 games, and another five points in a nine-game stint in Boston.
He would break into the NHL in the 1981–82 season, setting Bruin rookie records for goals (44, which still stands) and points (92) and finishing runner-up to Dale Hawerchuk for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. Included in his 92 points was a seven-point effort against the Hartford Whalers which also remains a Bruin rookie record. Pederson and star winger Rick Middleton had instant chemistry, and would be one of the league's most dangerous duos for several seasons.
In 1982–83, he finished with 46 goals and 107 points. He led the Bruins in assists and points, and finished fifth in league scoring (the only player in the top eight not to eventually make the Hockey Hall of Fame). In the playoffs, he would take his game to another level, as he and Middleton wreaked havoc combining for 65 points in just 17 games before losing out to New York Islanders in the conference finals. Pederson finished third in playoff goals and points despite not reaching the finals.