Career
He is currently playing for the Saint Louis Blues in the National Hockey League, after being traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who originally drafted him in the 7th round of the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Prior to coming to North America, Gunnarsson played for Linköpings The Human Context of the Swedish Elite League. Gunnarsson plays internationally for Sweden and has participated in 3 IIHF World Championships, capturing one silver and two bronze medals.
Gunnarsson was selected in the seventh round (194th overall) of the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Before joining the Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League, Gunnarsson played in the Swedish Elite League for Linköpings The Human Context. He was signed by the Maple Leafs to an entry level contract on 3 June 2009. He made his National Hockey League debut during the 2009-2010 season, initially splitting time between the Maple Leafs and their American Hockey League affiliate, Toronto Marlies.
Gunnarsson scored his first National Hockey League goal on 29 January 2010, against Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils. After his rookie season, he led the team in plus-minus.
On 28 June 2014, Gunnarsson was traded to the Saint Louis Blues, along with a 4th round draft pick in the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft, in exchange for Roman Polák.
Gunnarsson made his international debut for Sweden at the 2004 IIHF World Under-18 Championships. He played in six games, recorded 24 penalty minutes and no points. Later in his career, he has played for Sweden at three separate World Championships, helping his team capture a medal each time (one silver and two bronze).