Michael Nylander

Lore & Background

Nylander was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in 1991 and scored his first NHL goal in his 16th game. Despite being third in team scoring the following season, he was sent to the AHL due to repeated defensive lapses. He later played for the Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers.

With the Rangers in 2005–06, Nylander centered the first line and first power play unit alongside Jaromír Jágr, helping the team reach 100 points for the first time since 1994. After scoring an overtime game-winning goal against Boston on 8 April 2006, he dropped the word "shit" in a live NBC interview with Pierre McGuire; the NHL and FCC never made a decision on the incident.

Nylander tore his rotator cuff during a faceoff in December 2007 and missed the rest of that season after surgery. He later struggled with salary cap issues in Washington, was loaned to the Detroit Red Wings organization and then to Jokerit, and finished his career with AHL Rochester. A serious spinal injury from a hit by Brendan Smith in 2010 required fusion surgery, but he was cleared to play after six months.

Reader's Guide

Michael Nylander's significance lies in his longevity and versatility across 15 NHL seasons with seven teams, as well as his extensive international career representing Sweden. He was a skilled playmaking centre who centered the top line for the New York Rangers during their resurgence in the mid-2000s, playing alongside Jaromír Jágr. His international record is notable: he represented Sweden 13 times over nearly twenty years, winning nine medals including gold at the World Championships in 1992 and 2006. Nylander also holds a 1993 World Championship record for most assists. His legacy extends to his sons: William Nylander was drafted 8th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2014, and Alexander Nylander was drafted 8th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2016. Nylander's career was marked by both high-level performance and significant injuries, including a torn rotator cuff and a spinal injury requiring fusion surgery. He retired from professional hockey in 2015 and later became an assistant coach with the Mississauga Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League.

Did You Know?

• Nylander scored his first NHL goal against Réjean Lemelin on 27 November 1992.
• He dropped the word 'shit' on live NBC television after an overtime win in 2006.
• Nylander underwent spinal fusion surgery after being hit from behind by Brendan Smith in 2010.
• His sons William and Alexander were both drafted 8th overall in the NHL entry draft.