Former Islanders Defenseman Kenny Jonsson Inducted Into IIHF Hall Of Fame

On Monday, a former member of the New York Islanders was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hockey Hall of Fame.

On Monday, a former member of the New York Islanders was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hockey Hall of Fame.

Former Islanders captain Kenny Jonsson (1995-2004) and short-time Islander Ryan Smyth (18 games, 2006-07) joined legends Jaromir Jagr (Czechia), Igor Liba (Slovakia), Petteri Nummelin (Finland, Jaroslav Pouzar (Czechia), and Mel Davidson (Canada, Builder) in this year's Hall of Fame class:

Jonsson, who was drafted 12th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1993, joined the Islanders during the 1995-96 season for former Leaf Wendel Clark.

Considered one of the most underrated defensemen during his time in the NHL, Jonsson played in 597 games with New York, with 57 points and 175 assists for 232 points.

He was named captain of the team during the 1999-2000 season before stepping down the following season, with Michael Peca taking the "C". 

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On the international stage, Jonsson won Olympic gold in 1994 and 2006 and also won gold at the 2006 Men's World Championships.

He played in 136 games for Sweden, being named the best defender at the 2006 Olympics, totaling 

“It is a great honour and with enormous pride that I stand here today. That my name would be associated with the very best players of all time is a little unreal for me," Jonsson said. "My motto was to have fun on the ice and do my very best every time I put my skates on…To my brother Jorgen, we competed every day, about everything. We probably drove each other crazy many times, but I also think that helped us push each other to be better and better. We went in different directions, but we also won championships together, including two Olympic golds. That is amazing.” (H/t Andrew Podnieks)

Another former Islander, Ryan Smyth, who was inducted in 2020, was recognized Monday as well.

Smyth, who the Islanders acquired at the 2007 NHL Trade Deadline for Robert Nilsson and Ryan O'Marra and a 2007 first-round pick, played only 18 regular season games with New York, scoring five goals and 10 assists.

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In the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Smyth had a goal and three assists in a five-game defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres in the First Round. 

He then signed with the Colorado Avalanche that summer.

On the international stage with Canada, Smyth won the gold medal seven times, scoring 21 goals with 19 assists playing in 89 international games, a Canadian record. 

“If I could give one piece of advice to the players today, it would be to savour and cherish every moment because it goes by way too fast." Smyth said. "Take it all in, and don’t take the opportunity for granted." (H/t Andrew Podnieks)