Michael Nylander
15 Interesting Facts
Michael Nylander was a skilled Swedish center who recorded 679 points over 15 NHL seasons and won two World Championship gold medals for Sweden.
He won two IIHF World Championship gold medals with Sweden, in 1992 and 2006.
He played fifteen seasons in the National Hockey League, recording 679 career points across 920 regular season games.
He was selected in the third round, 59th overall, by the Hartford Whalers in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.
He centered the top line for the New York Rangers alongside Jaromír Jágr during the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons.
Two of his sons were selected eighth overall in their respective NHL entry drafts: William in 2014 and Alexander in 2016.
He scored his first career NHL goal against Réjean Lemelin on November 27, 1992, at Boston Garden.
He set an IIHF World Championship record for the most assists in a single tournament during the 1993 event.
He underwent spinal fusion surgery following a hit from behind by Brendan Smith during an AHL game in October 2010.
Prior to the 2007–08 season, his agent agreed to terms with the Edmonton Oilers before he ultimately signed with the Washington Capitals.
During a live NBC interview following an overtime win in April 2006, he uttered a swear word on live television.
He suffered a torn rotator cuff during a faceoff against the Florida Panthers in December 2007 that ultimately required season-ending surgery.
He served as an assistant coach for the Ontario Hockey League's Mississauga Steelheads during the 2015–16 season.
He made his senior professional debut during the 1987–88 season, playing three games for RA 73 in Sweden's second tier.
During the 2009–10 season, he was loaned by Washington to the Detroit Red Wings organization, who assigned him to the Grand Rapids Griffins.
His daughter competed in collegiate tennis at Southern Methodist University and on the WTA circuit.
About Michael Nylander
Michael Nylander was a skilled Swedish center who played 15 seasons in the NHL for eight different franchises, recording 679 career points. Known for his playmaking ability, he enjoyed peak offensive seasons with the New York Rangers centering top-line winger Jaromír Jágr. Internationally, he represented Sweden in thirteen major tournaments over two decades, earning two World Championship gold medals.
Career Achievements & Milestones
World Championship Gold Medalist
1992
World Championship Gold Medalist
2006
World Championship Best Forward
1997
Elitserien Rookie of the Year
1992
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Michael Nylander.
Player Info
Physical Stats
Career Stats
Season Scoring
Teams & Career
Michael Nylander played for 25 different teams during his 15 seasons career. He was originally drafted 3rd overall by the Hartford Whalers in 1991.