Eric Nilson
Swedish ice hockey player (born 2007)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eric Nilson (born 11 May 2007) is a Swedish-Canadian college ice hockey center for Michigan State University of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). He was drafted 45th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2025 NHL entry draft.
| Eric Nilson | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Born |
11 May 2007 Calgary, Alberta, Canada | ||
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | ||
| Weight | 154 lb (70 kg; 11 st 0 lb) | ||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Shoots | Right | ||
| NCAA team Former teams |
Michigan State University Djurgårdens IF | ||
| NHL draft |
45th overall, 2025 Anaheim Ducks | ||
Playing career
Initially ranked as a fourth or fifth round prospect by NHL Central Scouting Bureau ahead of the 2025 NHL entry draft, Nilson rose to the sixth-ranked European skater in their midterm rankings.[1]
Nilson played the 2024-2025 season with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League. He joined the Michigan State Spartans for the 2025-2026 season.[2]
International play
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
Representing  Sweden | ||
| Ice hockey | ||
| World Junior Championships | ||
 | 2026 United States | |
| World U18 Championships | ||
 | 2025 United States | |
Nilson represented Sweden at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Entering the bronze medal match pointless at the event, he recorded an assist and a hat-trick to help Sweden secure bronze.[3]
In December 2025, he was selected to represent Sweden at the 2026 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.[4] He recorded one goal and two assists in seven games and won a gold medal. This was Sweden's first gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship since 2012.[5]
Personal life
Nilson is the son of former NHL player Marcus Nilson and has a sister, Alice (born 2009), playing junior hockey in the Brynäs IF system.[6]
