Jorgen Pettersson had skated six seasons in the Swedish Elite League with Vastra Frolunda before he was finally enticed to cross the Atlantic to take on the NHL.
The enticement came from St. Louis Blues GM Emile Francis. He personally flew to Stockholm to verify that the stylish, speedy Swede was the real deal. Impressed with his disciplined play and puck handling skills, Francis brought him to St. Louis and placed him on a line with Blake Dunlop and Joe Mullen. The fit was right as Pettersson made a mark on the league by registering 73 points in 62 games.
Over succeeding seasons, he continued to develop into a more complete package as an outstanding penalty killer and above-average defensive player who was willing to bump with the opposition. Pettersson's scoring pace remained steady through 1985 when Emile Francis, then the Whalers' GM, brought his former prospect over to Hartford. His stay was short, however, before he was dispatched to the Capitals for a final NHL stint of 55 games.
Pettersson then decided to return to his native Sweden where he rejoined the Swedish Elite League for four additional seasons before retiring in 1990-91.
