 A native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Pederson played for the Carlton Park Mustangs and joined his hometown team Prince Albert Raiders when he was 16 years old.He was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the 1993 NHL Draft (first round, 13th overall).He continued playing for the Raiders in the WHL and also spent time with AHL’s Albany River Rats, before making his NHL debut with the Devils during the 1995-96 season.