Anders Nilsson
Nilsson with the New York Islanders in 2014
Born (1990-03-19) 19 March 1990 (age 33)
Luleå, Sweden
Height 6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
Weight 232 lb (105 kg; 16 st 8 lb)
Position Goaltender
Caught Left
Played for Luleå HF
New York Islanders
Ak Bars Kazan
Edmonton Oilers
St. Louis Blues
Buffalo Sabres
Vancouver Canucks
Ottawa Senators
National team  Sweden
NHL Draft 62nd overall, 2009
New York Islanders
Playing career 2009–2021

Bengt Per Anders Nilsson (born 19 March 1990) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey goaltender. Nilsson was drafted 62nd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders and played in the NHL with the Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, and Ottawa Senators. Internationally, Nilsson led Sweden to a gold medal at the 2018 World Championships.

Playing career

On 27 April 2011, the New York Islanders signed Nilsson to a three-year entry-level contract.[1] He was initially assigned to the Islanders American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.[2] Nilsson was recalled by the Islanders after Evgeni Nabokov was injured in a game against the Montreal Canadiens.[3] He made his NHL debut on 19 November 2011, against the Boston Bruins, in relief of Rick DiPietro. He let in 3 goals on 17 shots, while playing 40 minutes, as the Islanders lost 6–0. He got his first start in the NHL on 21 November 2011, against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On 4 March 2012, he earned his first NHL victory and shutout in a 1–0 home win against the New Jersey Devils. In doing so, he became the first goalie in Islanders history to record a shutout for his first win.[4] In his next start, on 10 March 2012, he almost shutout the Devils a second time, but the Devils scored two goals in the last two minutes of the game, resulting in a 2–1 loss for the Islanders.[5]

Nilsson saw limited action with the Sound Tigers in 2012–13, as he was diagnosed with an unknown, fatigue-inducing illness in January 2013. The illness was later determined to be a vitamin B12 deficiency.[6] At the end of the season, Nilsson joined the Islanders for the playoffs but did not play.[7] During the 2013–14 season, Nilsson was again assigned to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He was recalled on 18 November 2013 and played in five games with the Islanders, going 0–2–2 before being sent back to Bridgeport.[2] Nilsson joined the Islanders again on 1 March 2014 after sending Kevin Poulin to Bridgeport.[8] He finished the season playing in 19 games for the Islanders compiling a record of 8–7–2.[9]

On 26 May 2014, as a restricted free agent, Nilsson decided to sign a contract with Russian club Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League.[10] Ak Bars issued a release confirming the signing.[11] On 4 October 2014, Nilsson's NHL rights were traded by the Islanders to the Chicago Blackhawks in a trade for Nick Leddy.[9] Nilsson appeared in 38 regular season games for Ak Bars, registering a 20–9–8 record and 20 playoff games, ending with a 13–7 record.[12]

On 6 July 2015, Nilsson's NHL rights were traded for a second time, from the Blackhawks to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for prospect Liam Coughlin. He in turn agreed to a one-year, one-way contract with the Oilers.[12] Nilsson earned a spot on the Oilers roster after a stellar training camp, not allowing a single goal in the preseason. In the 2015–16 season, Nilsson appeared in a career high 26 games with the Oilers, sharing the pipes with Cam Talbot, before he was traded approaching the trade deadline by the Oilers to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Niklas Lundström and the Blues' fifth-round selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft on 27 February 2016.[13]

On 2 July 2016, Nilsson as a restricted free agent was traded from the Blues to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2017 fifth round draft pick.[14] During the 2016–17 season, in December 2016, Nilsson began wearing a mask with a gay pride flag painted on the back as a sign that ice hockey welcomes diversity. He drew praise from Wade Davis, executive director of the You Can Play campaign, who said that Nilsson "is taking a risk on multiple fronts and is standing up for something that he believes in, knowing the backlash that could come his way."[15]

After a successful tenure with the Sabres, serving as backup to Robin Lehner, Nilsson left as a free agent in signing a two-year, $5 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks on 1 July 2017.[16] He was the Canucks' backup goalie until Thatcher Demko was deemed ready to play in the NHL by Vancouver's management.[17] During the 2018–19 season, on 2 January 2019, he was traded by the Canucks along with Darren Archibald to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Mike McKenna, Tom Pyatt and a sixth-round draft pick in 2019. He was acquired by the Senators following injuries to goaltenders Mike Condon and Craig Anderson.[18] In 22 starts for the Senators, Nilsson went 11–11–0. On 29 May 2019, the Senators re-signed Nilsson to a two-year, $5.2 million contract extension with an annual average of $2.6 million.[19] On 16 December 2019, Nilsson was placed on injured reserve due to a concussion. He missed the rest of the season.[20]

With a year remaining on his contract, approaching the delayed 2020–21 season, Nilsson was traded by the Senators along with the contract of Marián Gáborík to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Braydon Coburn, Cédric Paquette and a 2022 second-round pick on 27 December 2020.[21] However, Nilsson ultimately never played a game for Tampa Bay, and, after missing the entire 2020–21 season with post-concussion symptoms and neck problems, announced his retirement on 8 August 2021.[22]

International play


Nilsson with Team Sweden
Medal record
Representing Sweden Sweden
Ice hockey
World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2014 Belarus
Gold medal – first place 2018 Denmark
World Junior Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2010 Canada

Nilsson represented Sweden at the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships which were held in Saskatchewan, Canada. He only played in one game during the tournament, as Jacob Markström was the starter. Sweden won a bronze medal at the tournament.[23] He won a gold medal with Team Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.[24]

Personal life

Nilsson is married to Emelie Nevanperä and they have one child together. Nilsson has another son from a previous relationship with Fernanda Nilsson. Nevanperä also has a child from a previous relationship.[25] On 8 November 2017, Nilsson announced the birth of his son and second child.[26]

Nilsson is an open supporter of the LGBT+ community.[27] While with the Buffalo Sabres, he became the first NHL goaltender to put a rainbow flag on his mask.[28][29]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L OTL MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2004–05 Luleå HF J20 1 — — — 24 4 0 9.90 .692 — — — — — — — —
2005–06 Luleå HF J18 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
2005–06 Luleå HF J20 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
2006–07 Luleå HF J18 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
2006–07 Luleå HF J20 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
2007–08 Luleå HF J18 5 — — — — — — 2.68 .888 — — — — — — — —
2007–08 Luleå HF J18-2 6 — — — — — — 3.36 .897 — — — — — — — —
2007–08 Luleå HF J20 16 — — — 898 31 2 2.07 .926 1 0 1 60 6 0 6.00 .786
2008–09 Luleå HF J20 37 — — — 2199 75 0 2.05 .927 6 — — 357 14 1 2.35 .935
2008–09 Luleå HF SEL 1 0 0 0 28 0 0 0.00 1.00 — — — — — — — —
2008–09 Kalix HC Div.1 1 — — — 59 3 0 3.05 .930 — — — — — — — —
2009–10 Luleå HF J20 4 — — — 244 12 0 2.95 .899 — — — — — — — —
2009–10 Luleå HF SEL 27 10 12 2 1383 61 2 2.65 .897 — — — — — — — —
2010–11 Luleå HF SEL 31 18 13 0 1876 60 6 1.92 .918 13 6 7 827 27 0 1.96 .931
2011–12 New York Islanders NHL 4 1 2 0 218 10 1 2.75 .911 — — — — — — — —
2011–12 Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL 25 15 8 2 1441 58 1 2.41 .921 — — — — — — — —
2012–13 Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL 21 8 11 0 1208 60 1 2.98 .899 — — — — — — — —
2013–14 New York Islanders NHL 19 8 7 2 1101 57 0 3.11 .896 — — — — — — — —
2013–14 Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL 29 12 14 2 1683 79 2 2.81 .901 — — — — — — — —
2014–15 Ak Bars Kazan KHL 38 20 9 8 2247 64 5 1.71 .936 20 13 7 1206 31 6 1.54 .935
2015–16 Edmonton Oilers NHL 26 10 12 2 1403 74 0 3.14 .901 — — — — — — — —
2015–16 Bakersfield Condors AHL 2 2 0 0 120 4 0 2.01 .935 — — — — — — — —
2015–16 St. Louis Blues NHL 3 0 1 0 88 4 0 2.75 .909 — — — — — — — —
2016–17 Buffalo Sabres NHL 26 10 10 4 1485 66 1 2.67 .923 — — — — — — — —
2017–18 Vancouver Canucks NHL 27 7 14 4 1464 84 2 3.44 .901 — — — — — — — —
2018–19 Vancouver Canucks NHL 12 3 8 1 718 37 0 3.09 .895 — — — — — — — —
2018–19 Ottawa Senators NHL 24 11 11 0 1322 64 2 2.90 .914 — — — — — — — —
2019–20 Ottawa Senators NHL 20 9 9 2 1093 58 0 3.18 .908 — — — — — — — —
SHL totals 59 28 25 2 3,287 121 8 2.21 .928 13 6 7 827 27 0 1.96 .931
NHL totals 161 59 74 15 8,900 454 6 3.06 .907 — — — — — — — —

International

Year Team Event GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2010 Sweden WJC 1 1 0 0 60 3 0 3.00 .875
2014 Sweden WC 9 6 2 0 545 14 2 1.54 .937
2015 Sweden WC 3 1 2 0 154 7 0 2.73 .899
2018 Sweden WC 7 7 0 0 440 8 3 1.09 .954
Junior totals 1 1 0 0 60 3 0 3.00 .875
Senior totals 19 14 4 0 1139 29 5 1.53 .938

References

  1. ^ "Islanders Agree to Terms on Entry Level Contract with Nilsson". New York Islanders. 27 May 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Anders Nilsson Loaned to Sound Tigers". Bridgeport Islanders. 12 December 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2023 – via Oursportscentral.com.
  3. ^ "Islanders recall Nilsson". American Hockey League. 19 November 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  4. ^ "Nilsson stops 24 shots for 1st NHL win and Islanders blank Devils 1–0". The Hockey News. The Canadian Press. 4 March 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Marek Zidlicky, David Clarkson score in final 2 minutes to lift Devils". ESPN. Associated Press. 10 March 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  6. ^ Willhoft, Michael (10 September 2013). "Anders Nilsson Healthy And Focused For 2013–14 Season". Eyes on Isles. Fansided. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  7. ^ Strang, Katie (28 April 2013). "Isles recall eight". ESPN. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  8. ^ Hersch, Corey (1 March 2014). "Islanders Recall Nilsson, Loan Poulin to Sound Tigers". Bridgeport Daily Voice. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Blackhawks acquire prospects from Islanders for Leddy". Chicago Blackhawks. 4 October 2014. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Report: Olver Nilsson Sign with KHL Clubs". Pro Hockey Talk/NBC Sports. 27 May 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  11. ^ "Андерс Нильссон: Рекордсмен "Айлэндерс" И Лучший Вратарь Шведской Лиги". Pro Hockey Talk/NBC Sports. 27 May 2014. Archived from the original on 31 August 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  12. ^ a b "Oilers acquire Anders Nilsson". Edmonton Oilers. 6 July 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  13. ^ "Oilers deal Anders Nilsson to Blues for prospect Niklas Lundstrom and 5th round pick". Edmonton Journal. 27 February 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  14. ^ "Sabres acquire Nilsson from Blues". Buffalo Sabres. 2 July 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  15. ^ Vogl, John (4 December 2016). "Inside the Sabres: Nilsson proudly waves pride flag". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
  16. ^ "Canucks sign Del Zotto, Nilsson and Gagner". TSN. 1 July 2017. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
  17. ^ Johnston, Patrick (2 January 2019). "Thatcher Demko era nears as Canucks ship Anders Nilsson to Ottawa". The Province. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  18. ^ "Senators acquire Anders Nilsson and Darren Archibald from Vancouver". Ottawa Senators. 2 January 2019. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  19. ^ "Senators re-sign goaltender Anders Nilsson to a two-year contract". Ottawa Senators. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
  20. ^ Warren, Ken (3 February 2020). "Anders Nilsson remains in limbo while recovering from concussion". Ottawa Sun. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  21. ^ "Ottawa Senators acquire Coburn, Paquette, pick from Lightning for Gaborik, Nilsson". TSN. 27 December 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
  22. ^ "Anders Nilsson retires due to post-concussion symptoms, necks problems". Sportsnet. 8 August 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  23. ^ Meadows, Bailey (30 June 2017). "Report: Canucks likely to sign free agent goaltender Anders Nilsson". The Daily Hive. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  24. ^ Aykroyd, Lucas (20 May 2018). "Tre Kronor golden again!". International Ice Hockey Federation. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  25. ^ Canucks Welcome Baby Nilsson. NHL.com. 10 November 2017.
  26. ^ Nilsson, Anders [@andersnilsson31] (9 November 2017). "Yesterday was the magic day when we got to welcome our baby boy Loui to this world". Retrieved 24 March 2023 – via Instagram.
  27. ^ MacIntyre, Iain (19 February 2018). "Anders Nilsson fights for LGBTQ rights as he fights through tough season". Sportsnet. Archived from the original on 24 February 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  28. ^ "Inspired Anders Nilsson puts rainbow flag on mask". NHL.com. 4 December 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  29. ^ Söderlund, Frida (1 August 2018). "Guldhjälten: "Då hade jag slutat spela"" [Golden hero: "Then I would have stopped playing"]. aftonbladet.se (in Swedish). Retrieved 12 February 2019.

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