Eric Nilson (C, R, 6’0″, 158, Djurgardens, 05/11/2007)
Eric Nilson is a smart, two-way center who brings a reliable 200-foot game, excellent hockey IQ, and versatility to play both center and wing at a very high level. His ability to read and process the game, combined with his skill as a playmaker and situational awareness, makes him a promising prospect. However, Nilson’s light frame and lack of strength currently limit his ability to consistently dominate in physical and high-pressure situations. With increased physical development and refinement in certain aspects of his game, Nilson has the potential to become a valuable middle-six NHL forward who could evolve into a top-six piece.
Strengths
Hockey IQ and Game Processing:
Nilson is an elite thinker on the ice, consistently scanning his surroundings and anticipating plays.
His intelligence allows him to position himself effectively, make clean decisions, and execute skilled plays quickly.
His ability to find soft areas in the offensive zone, particularly on the power play, gives him consistent scoring opportunities.
Two-Way Play and Work Ethic:
A diligent and responsible player in all three zones, Nilson’s commitment to defense is evident through his active stick, backchecking, and ability to force turnovers.
He wins 54% of faceoffs, demonstrating his value in key situations.
As an F1 forechecker, Nilson is aggressive and disruptive, creating turnovers and pressuring defenders into poor decisions.
Puck Skills and Passing Ability:
Completes 89% of his passes, with 1 per game leading directly to a grade “A” scoring chance for teammates.
Displays excellent vision and creativity, frequently finding linemates in high-danger areas while the opposing defender is looking in the wrong direction.
Competitiveness and Physical Engagement:
Despite his size, Nilson does not shy away from physical play, showing a willingness to take hits to make plays and deliver contact when necessary.
His tenacity along the boards and in puck battles gives him a competitive edge that will carry over when he gains weight, strength and power.
Offensive Instincts:
With a quick release and strong shot accuracy (21% scoring rate on grade “A” chances), Nilson capitalizes on opportunities.
He excels at making quick cuts and using his agility to create space in all three zones.
Areas for Improvement
Size and Strength:
At 158 pounds, Nilson’s light frame limits his effectiveness in physical battles and his ability to shield the puck.
Adding muscle and power will allow him to handle contact better, increase puck battle wins (currently 48%), and improve his overall durability.
Offensive Output and Shot Volume:
Averaging only 3.6 shot attempts per game and 1.2 grade “A” scoring chances, Nilson needs to become more assertive in driving offense.
Developing a more aggressive mindset in the slot and taking more shots in high-danger areas will elevate his scoring impact.
Turnover Reduction:
With 5.4 giveaways per game, Nilson must improve his puck management, particularly under pressure in transition and the offensive zone.
Physical Play on Larger Ice:
Nilson takes 0.76 hard hits per game, a high number considering his current size and the larger European ice surface.
Special Teams Contribution:
While Nilson excels at finding soft ice on the power play, we feel he can translate his hockey IQ into a more impactful penalty-killing role.
Key Development Goals
Strength and Conditioning: Add muscle mass and power to better handle physical play and improve puck protection and durability.
Increase Offensive Assertiveness: Focus on driving offense by taking more shots and consistently creating scoring opportunities by attacking the slot.
Improve Puck Management: Reduce turnovers through smarter decisions under pressure and better control in high-traffic areas.
Special Teams Impact: Develop as a penalty-killer while continuing to excel on the power play.
Physical Awareness: Learn to absorb and avoid hits more effectively to maximize his longevity and effectiveness on the ice.
Projection
Eric Nilson projects as a middle-six, two-way NHL forward with the ability to contribute in all situations. His hockey IQ, passing ability, and relentless work ethic make him a versatile asset, capable of playing center or wing. With continued physical development and increased offensive assertiveness, Nilson could evolve into a dependable scorer and with a defensive presence for an NHL team.
Draft Outlook
We currently have Nilson as a late-first early-second round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. His hockey intelligence and versatility will attract teams looking for a well-rounded player who can be developed into a reliable two-way forward.
Player Comparison
Mikael Backlund: While Nilson has a long way to go to reach Backlund’s level due to his slight frame, his two-way play, hockey IQ, and versatility evoke similarities to the Flame’s captain. Nilson’s focus on detail and defensive reliability make this a reasonable developmental goal.
Final Assessment
Eric Nilson is a high-IQ, two-way center with excellent puck skills and the ability to make an impact in all three zones. While his size and strength are areas of concern, his work ethic and hockey sense suggest he has the potential to overcome these limitations with proper development. With the right development model and physical growth, Nilson has the tools to become a valuable NHL contributor.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images