Defenceman Timo Blomqvist was a fine playmaker with a hard-nosed side to his play. He spent five years in the NHL during the 1980s but was better known in several European leagues and as a member of the Finnish national team.
Before coming to the NHL, the Helsinki native excelled on the Jokerit and Kiekkoreipas clubs in the Finnish league and represented his country in three straight World Junior championships beginning in 1979. Blomqvist excelled for Finland at the European Junior Championships and was named the best defenceman at the 1979 tourney and placed on the all-star team in 1978 and 1979. The young defender joined the Washington Capitals in 1980-81 and fared pretty well considering the club was still one of the NHL's "have-nots."
Following the Caps' acquisition of Rod Langway, Brian Engblom, and Doug Jarvis, Washington became more competitive and disciplined on the ice. Blomqvist's mobility and crisp passes made him an integral part of the team's transition game. The talented rearguard also represented Finland at the 1985 World Championships. By the mid-1980s, Washington was one of the deepest clubs in the league on the blueline so Blomqvist was traded to the New Jersey Devils.
Beginning in 1987-88, Blomqvist sought to resume his career in Europe. He played several years in Sweden with the MoDo and Malmo clubs and won a league title with the latter in 1992. He also played for Finland at the 1987 Canada Cup and 1989 World Championships as well as the 1988 Calgary Olympics and Albertville Games in 1992. Blomqvist toiled in Norway, Finland, and Austria before retiring in 1997.
