verb (used with object), assimilated, assimilating. 1. to take in and incorporate as one's own; absorb: He assimilated many new experiences on his European trip. 2. to bring into conformity with the customs, attitudes, etc., of a group, nation, or the like; adapt or adjust: to assimilate the new immigrants.
25 years ago Mats Sundin was taken first overall at the NHL draft - and it changed the game forever. News. 25 years ago Mats Sundin was taken first overall at the NHL draft - and it changed the game forever. Mats Sundin broke a barrier to become the first European drafted No. 1 overall. The game changed forever that day. By Uffe Bodin. The year 1989 was one of great historical significance.
For the Swedish ice hockey player born in 1994, see Erik Karlsson (ice hockey, born 1994). Erik Sven Gunnar Karlsson (born 31 May 1990) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who currently serves as captain of the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Senators in the first round (15th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Karlsson is a two-time winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman, winning the award in 2012 and 2015.