Kent Nilsson is a former professional ice hockey player from Sweden who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) and other leagues around the world. He was known for his exceptional stickhandling skills, speed, and offensive abilities.
Nilsson began his professional career in Sweden with the Färjestad BK team in the late 1970s. He quickly established himself as one of the top players in the Swedish Elite League, leading the league in scoring in 1977-78 and 1978-79. His success in Sweden caught the attention of NHL teams, and he was drafted by the Atlanta Flames in 1976.
Nilsson made his NHL debut with the Flames in the 1979-80 season and immediately made an impact, scoring 31 goals and 71 points in his rookie year. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and finished second in voting for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie.
After two seasons with the Flames, Nilsson was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he continued to excel. He had his best season in 1984-85, scoring 49 goals and 131 points, which earned him a spot on the NHL First All-Star Team. He also represented Sweden in international competition, winning a silver medal at the 1986 World Championships.
In 1986, Nilsson was traded to the Minnesota North Stars, where he played for two seasons before being traded again to the Edmonton Oilers. He played a key role in the Oilers' Stanley Cup championship in 1987, scoring 13 points in 18 playoff games. He also played for the Oilers in the 1988 Stanley Cup Final, which they lost to the Boston Bruins.
Nilsson's NHL career came to an end in 1990, but he continued to play professionally in Europe for several more years. He played in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, and also represented Sweden in international competition. He retired from professional hockey in 1995.
Throughout his career, Nilsson was known for his skill and creativity on the ice. He was a gifted playmaker and scorer, and his stickhandling abilities were among the best in the game. He was also a respected teammate and leader, and was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game.
Today, Nilsson is remembered as one of the greatest Swedish players of all time, and his legacy lives on in the NHL and around the world. He was inducted into the Swedish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999, and his number 15 jersey was retired by Färjestad BK in 2006.
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