Maja Nylén Persson
Swedish defender drafted tenth overall by New York Sirens.
Maja Nylén Persson, a Swedish ice hockey defender, plays for the New York Sirens in the Professional Women's Hockey League. Born on 20 November 2000, she was selected tenth overall in the 2024 PWHL draft’s second round and also competes for Sweden’s national team.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 20 November 2000
- Birthplace
- Avesta, Sweden
- Position
- Defence
- Shoots
- Right
- League
- PWHL
- Team
- New York Sirens
- Prospect league
- SDHL
- Former teams
- Leksands IF; Brynäs IF
Facts from the source article.
Playing career
Nylén Persson began playing for Leksands IF's women's team in what is now the SDHL at age 13, having grown up cheering for the club. Over five seasons she scored more than 60 points. In March 2019 she became the first recipient of the women's hockey version of the EliteProspects Award for the SDHL's youth player of the year. After high school she signed a three-year contract with Brynäs IF, where she recorded 26 points in 36 games in her first season while serving as an assistant captain and repeated as EliteProspects Award winner. In 2021–22 she posted 15 goals and 47 points in 35 games, ranking fifth in league scoring and first among defenders; her four goals and 13 points in the playoffs helped Brynäs reach a second consecutive finals appearance. She won SDHL player of the year and defender of the year awards and became the first woman to win the Salming Trophy as the best Swedish-born defender in Sweden. She then signed a two-year extension with Brynäs. As captain in 2023–24 she finished fifth in the league and led all defenders with 38 points in 36 games, winning the SDHL top defender award for a third straight season. She moved to North America for 2024–25, was selected tenth overall by New York in the 2024 PWHL draft, and signed a three-year contract on 11 July. Before the PWHL season she was loaned back to Brynäs, recording five assists in five SDHL games. Her PWHL season ended early due to an upper-body injury sustained against the Minnesota Frost on 16 March 2025; she had two goals and six points in 23 games.
International play
Nylén Persson was part of the Swedish team that won gold at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics. She made her senior national team debut at the 2017 World Championship. At the 2017 World U18 Championship, Sweden lost the bronze-medal match to Russia after a scoreless two periods; Nylén Persson was named Sweden's best player of the match. At the 2018 World U18 Championship she was named to the media all-star team as Sweden won silver. A month later she made her Olympic debut at the 2018 Winter Olympics as the youngest on her team, recording four points in six games as Sweden finished seventh. In Olympic qualifying for 2022, Sweden won all three matches, with Nylén Persson recording an assist in the 3–2 win over France. At the 2022 Olympic tournament she served as an alternate captain and Sweden was eliminated in the quarterfinals. At the 2024 World Championship in Utica, New York, she led Swedish defenders in ice time at 20 minutes per game and recorded three points in five games, being named a top three player on the team. On 12 January 2026 she was named to Sweden's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Maja Nylén Persson born?
Maja Nylén Persson was born on 20 November 2000 in Avesta, Sweden.
What position does Maja Nylén Persson play?
Maja Nylén Persson's position is listed as Defence.
More in Olympic Ice Hockey Players of 2022
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