Born in Nakusp, British Columbia, Brad Larsen starred with the Nelson Leafs of the Rocky Mountain Junior League before joining the WHL's Swift Current Broncos in 1993-94. The Colorado Avalanche drafted him 87th overall in 1997 NHL Entry Draft, after scoring 105 goals in four junior seasons.
Larsen showed his mettle on the international stage as a member of Team Canada's World Junior championships in 1996 and captained the gold medal squad in 1997.
After a strong junior career, During his first four pro seasons, Larsen worked on his game with the AHL's Hershey Bears where he was a solid grinder and checker. He also topped the 20-goal mark in 2000-01 and looked solid during a nine-game trial in Colorado.
Over the next two seasons Larsen continued to split his time with Colorado and Hershey, winning a Stanley Cup in 2001 while battling injuries throughout most of the 2002-03 season. In February of 2004, Larsen was claimed off of waivers by the Atlanta Thrashers. Through the next five seasons, Larsen honed his skills with the Thrashers and their AHL affiliate in Chicago. During the NHL lockout he helped the Chicago Wolves to a Conference Championship before the returning back to Atlanta the following season.
His stint in Atlanta came on an end in September 2008 when the club dealt him to the Anaheim Ducks with Ken Klee and Chad Painchaud for Mathieu Schneider.