Frans Nielsen is a Danish professional ice hockey player who has had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He began his career playing for Herning Blue Fox in Denmark before moving to Sweden to play for the Malmo Redhawks. In 2006, he was drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft.
Nielsen made his NHL debut in 2007 and quickly established himself as a reliable two-way forward. He became known for his defensive skills and ability to play in all situations, including penalty killing and power play. He was also a consistent scorer, averaging around 40 points per season.
In 2016, Nielsen signed a six-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings as a free agent. He continued to be a valuable player for the team, serving as an alternate captain and contributing both offensively and defensively. He was also known for his leadership and work ethic, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Throughout his career, Nielsen has represented Denmark in international competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships. He has been a key player for the Danish national team, helping them to achieve their best-ever finish in the World Championships in 2010.
Nielsen announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2021, after playing 951 NHL games and scoring 166 goals and 384 assists for a total of 550 points. He was known for his consistency, durability, and versatility, and was respected by his peers for his professionalism and sportsmanship.
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