Michael Nylander is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 15 seasons. He was born in Sweden in 1972 and began his professional career in his home country before moving to North America to play in the NHL.
Nylander was known for his skill and versatility on the ice. He played both center and wing positions and was known for his playmaking ability and offensive skills. He was also a strong skater and had a good defensive game.
Nylander began his NHL career with the Hartford Whalers in 1992 and played for several other teams over the course of his career, including the Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers. He had his best seasons with the Capitals, where he was a key player on the team and helped lead them to the playoffs several times.
Throughout his career, Nylander was known for his consistency and durability. He played in over 900 NHL games and scored over 200 goals and 500 assists. He was also a reliable player in the playoffs, where he scored 25 goals and 45 assists in 97 games.
Nylander was also a successful international player, representing Sweden in several international tournaments, including the Olympics and the World Championships. He was a key player on the Swedish team that won the gold medal at the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy.
Despite his success on the ice, Nylander's career was not without its challenges. He suffered several injuries over the course of his career, including a serious knee injury that forced him to miss most of the 2007-08 season. He also had several contract disputes with teams, including a highly publicized dispute with the Rangers in 2008.
Nylander retired from professional hockey in 2013 and has since become involved in coaching and player development. He has worked with several youth hockey programs in Sweden and has also served as an assistant coach for the Swedish national team.
Overall, Michael Nylander had a successful and productive career in professional hockey. He was known for his skill, versatility, and consistency on the ice, and was a key player on several NHL teams and for the Swedish national team.
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