Signed in 1983 as a free agent by the Washington Capitals after starring for the University of Minnesota men's ice hockey team, Erickson played parts of two seasons with the Capitals before he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He also played with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets before retiring from active professional play after the 1993–94 NHL season. In the NHL Erickson played 351 games and scored 80 goals and 125 assists.