Robert Nilsson

2006-07 Update: March 1, 2007: Robert Nilsson went 3-9-12 in 15 games played with the Bridgepor Sound Tigers during the month of February. Four of his points came on the power play (1g, 3a). On Feb. 9th he recorded the first goal of the game and assisted on the game winner vs. Hershey. He also assisted on the game winner in a 4-1 win vs. the Lowell Devils on Feb. 16th. Nilsson was unsuccessful on a shootout attempt in a 4-3 win vs. Lowell on Feb. 10th. Nilsson had two short scoring streaks in February: 4 games in which he went 1-4-5 from Feb. 9th to 16th and 3 games in which he went 2-2-4 from Feb. 23rd to 25th. On February 27, 2007 Nilsson was traded to the Edmonton Oilers by the New York Islanders along with prospect Ryan O'Marra and a 2007 first round draft pick in exchange for All Star LW Ryan Smyth. Nilsson was assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and made his debut with them on February 28th. He recorded 3 assists in a win vs. Binghamton which included 2 assists on the power play and on the game winner.

February 1, 2007: Robert Nilsson went 2-8-10 in 8 games played for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of January. On the power play he went 1-3-4. Nilsson scored a game-winning goal Jan. 13th in a 5-2 win vs. Hershey. He recorded 6 points (1g,5a) in back to back games Jan. 13th & 14th. In the Jan. 13th game Nilsson recorded his 21st assist of the season which surpassed his career high of 20 in 2005-06. He scored his 9th goal of the season Jan. 20th at Hershey which surpassed his career high of 8 goals also set last season. Nilsson, who missed 5 games in December due to back spasms, missed 2 more games in January due to the same injury: 1/26 at Hartford and 1/27 vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The back spasms also caused him to miss the third periods of games on Jan. 20th and 24th vs. Binghamton. He did not fair too well in the shootout going 0/3. The Sound Tigers went 7-2-1 in January and 6-1-1 with Nilsson in the lineup. He has been playing on Bridgeport's top line with Frans Nielsen and Jeff Tambellini.

January 1, 2007: Robert Nilsson recorded 7 assists in 8 games played for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the month of December. Four of his assists came in one game in a win over Lowell on Dec. 16th. He also assisted on the game-winning goal and it was his only power play point during the month. Nilsson had a personal 3 game assist streak from Dec. 2nd to Dec. 16th in which he recorded 6 assists. Robert missed 5 games in December due to back spasms: 12/6 vs. Binghamton, 12/9 at Binghamton, 12/22 at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 12/23 vs. Manchester and 12/26 vs. Hershey. The Sound Tigers posted a record of 2-3-0 with Nilsson out of the lineup. With him in the lineup they went 2-6-0. Bridgeport went on a tailspin in the second half of December going 1-7-0 in their last 8 games.

December 1, 2006: Robert Nilsson went 5-5-10 in 12 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of November. He had a 5 game point scoring streak from Nov. 10th to 18th in which he went 5-4-9. On November 20th, Nilsson was named AHL Player of the Week for the week of Nov. 13th to 19th after going 4-3-7 in 3 games played. He didn't fair so well in the shootout going 0/2 in November and is 0/4 on the season. Nilsson did not play Nov. 29th vs. Norfolk due to stiffness in his back.

November 1, 2006: Robert Nilsson was surprisingly one of the first players cut from the Islanders training camp in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. He was sent down to Bridgeport with the first wave of cuts on September 26th. Many assumed over the summer that Nilsson would make the Islanders this season. Perhaps Nilsson believed so too because he reportedly went through the motions in camp. He started the AHL season well recording a point in each of his first 5 games played going 1-4-5. He hasn't faired so well in the shootout thus far, going 0 for 2. islesinfo.com comment: Does this kid have the drive to make it to the NHL and stay there? He'll always be compared to Zach Parise because of the 2003 Draft and thus far it seems like the Islanders did not make a wise decision taking Nilsson over Parise. Right now Nilsson is a point a game player in the AHL. He needs to strive for better than that and start to dominate to get back to the NHL.

2006-07 Highlights

BPT
* Named third star with 2 goals (1 PP) & an assist in 5-1 win at Worcester Sharks November 17, 2006.
* Named first star with 2 goals (1 PP) & an assist in 4-3 OT win at Hershey Bears November 18, 2006.
* Named second star with 4 assists in 6-4 win vs. Lowell Devils December 16, 2006.
* Named second star with a goal (GW) & 2 assists in 5-2 win vs. Hershey Bears January 13, 2007.
* Named first star with 3 assists in 4-3 SO loss vs. Providence Bruins January 14, 2007.
* Named third star with a goal & an assist in 4-2 win vs. Hershey Bears February 9, 2007.

WBS
* Named first star with 3 assists in 3-2 win vs. Binghamton Senators February 28, 2007.

mp3 of Robert Nilsson scoring at Binghamton - October 8, 2006

Oilers assign Robert Nilsson to Wilkes-Barre
edmontonoilers.com, Mar. 23, 2007

The Edmonton Oilers have assigned right wing Robert Nilsson to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League.

The 5’11”, 185-pound forward was recalled to the Oilers on March 14th and made his debut with Edmonton on March 15th versus the Minnesota Wild. The 22-year-old scored his first career Oilers goal and registered his first Oilers penalty minute in the 2-1 loss to the Wild. He scored one goal and had four penalty minutes in four games with the Oilers.

Nilsson has scored 13-42-55 with 42 PIM in 57 AHL games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

With his debut with Edmonton, Nilsson joins his father, Kent, as the first father-son combo to play with the Oilers. Kent Nilsson, who is a member of the Edmonton scouting staff, played with the Oilers in 1986-87 and 1994-95, scoring 6-12-18 in 23 regular season games and was a member of Edmonton’s 1987 Stanley Cup championship team.

NYI ACQUIRE ALL-STAR RYAN SMYTH
newyorkislanders.com, Feb. 27, 2007

Ryan Smyth, the NHL All-Star, known as Captain Canada to fans and media north of the border, is now a member of the New York Islanders.

The Islanders  acquired  Smyth from the Edmonton Oilers  this afternoon for prospect forwards Ryan O'Marra, Robert Nilsson and a 2007 first round draft selection.  In 53 games this season with the Oilers this season, the 6-1, 190-pound wing has 31 goals  and 22 assists.

"Ryan Smyth is a premier NHL player," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "The New York Islanders are proud to have Ryan become a member of our organization."

Smyth has played in 770  regular season NHL games over his 12-year career, all with the Oilers. He has recorded 265 goals and 284 assists for 549 points. Last season, Smyth played in 24  playoff games for the Oilers during their run to the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals and recorded seven goals and nine assists for 16 points. Smyth joins recent additions Marc-Andre Bergeron, a recent teammate of Smyth's in Edmonton, and Richard Zednik.

"We created some flexibility earlier in the season with a pair of trades and we said our goal was to be buyers," said Snow. "We kept this team together and added Ryan Smith, Bergeron and Zednik without taking anyone off the team."

Smyth represented the Oilers at the All-Star Game in Dallas last month and won a Gold Medal with Canada at 2002 Winter Olympic Games. In his international career, Smyth has represented Canada at seven World Championships, at the 2005 World Cup of Hockey and also at the 2006 Winter Olympics. He was also named to the WHL's 1994-95 East Second All-Star Team. Smyth was originally drafted by Edmonton in the first round, sixth overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.

Nilsson was drafted by the Islanders in the first round, 15th overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He  has spent the entire 2006-07 season n Bridgeport (AHL) and played in 53  NHL  games last season ,  scoring six goals with 14 assists for 20 points. O'Marra was taken by the  Islanders in the first round, 15th overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and is currently with Saginaw of the Ontario Hockey League .

"I know the coaching staff and the players in our room are exhilerated by the news of us getting Ryan Smyth," Islnders coach Ted Nolan told reporters prior to tonight's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. "We believe in our team. You could say the players earned this through their hard work since the beginning of camp. We owed it to them to field the best team we could for the playoff push. I can't tell you how happy I am to be part of a team where you have an owner like Charles Wang who does everything he can to bring a Stanley Cup to Long Island. And I give a lot of high marks to Garth Snow for making an unbelieveable deal.

"You always have to give to get," continued Nolan, "and we definitely said goodbye today to a pair of great kids in Robert and Ryan. I have a lot of respect for both of them and will be rooting for them as they continue their careers in Edmonton. We feel fortunate to have Ryan Smyth in our lineup and the Oilers can say the same about Robert and Ryan."

Oilers trade forward Smyth to Islanders
CP/TSN.ca, Feb. 27, 2007

Unable to reach a long-term deal with their heart-and-soul player, the Edmonton Oilers instead traded Ryan Smyth to the New York Islanders for prospects Ryan O'Marra and Robert Nilsson and the Islanders' first-round pick in 2007.

"Today we turned a page for sure – but this is not as much about the Oilers today, but what we continue to do as part of an overall plan," said general manager Kevin Lowe. "I want to be very clear that making this trade today is a hockey decision. It was not financial."  

The two-year, $7 million US contract Smyth signed in 2005 expires after this season, when he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency. 

"I want everyone to know that our decision was much more to do with a plan than a reaction. Ryan is taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our opportunity is to have a sound strategy for the future," explained Lowe.

"I would also like to say that Ryan Smyth has contributed a great deal over 12 seasons here in Edmonton. He should be thanked for his contribution on the ice and in the community," said Lowe.

Oilers President and CEO, Patrick LaForge asked that fans remain objective when considering the deal, "while on the one hand some Oilers fans might be distressed that this trade was made today, I want those same fans to be assured that the Oilers will use these excellent young players and our own deep pool of young talent in a new plan for this team."

"This was about the Oilers staying true to a plan. I know our hockey strategy is sound," said LaForge.

The move came as a surprise to many of Smyth's long-time teammates.

"It's shocking," said Oilers captain Jason Smith. "Being a teammate of Ryan's for numerous years and knowing what a great competitor he is, obviously that is someone you don't want to see leave your team."

Added defenceman Steve Staios: "I kind of kidded with Smitty a little bit about it as teammates do but I never expected it to happen. It's pretty shocking. It's tough to lose a teammate you have had for that long and that has meant that much to our team."

It remains possible that Smyth could re-sign with the Oilers in the summer – assuming today's trade didn't sour his thoughts on the prospect of a return. 

And, of course, the Oilers would still have to meet his asking price.

Smyth has been a cornerstone of the Oilers franchise since Edmonton selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 1994 draft. 

He has scored 265 goals in 770 career games with Edmonton, topping 20 goals eight times.

Smyth is often dubbed Captain Canada because he has represented his country on the ice so many times at the world Championship tournament.  He also won gold with Team Canada at the 2002 Olympics.

Oilers obtain Nilsson and O'Marra
edmontonoilers.com, Feb. 27, 2007

The Edmonton Oilers have traded veteran Ryan Smyth to the New York Islanders in exchange for right wing Robert Nilsson, centre Ryan O’Marra and the Islanders’ first round choice in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Both Nilsson and O’Marra are first round draft choices of the Islanders, being selected 15th overall in the 2003 and 2005 NHL Entry Drafts, respectively.

With the addition of the Islanders’ first round choice, the Oilers now have three first round selections in the upcoming 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Following today’s trade, Oilers General Manager, Kevin Lowe said “I want to be very clear that making this trade today is a hockey decision. It was not financial. The CBA we operate with in the NHL today means you need to have a sound hockey strategy and stick to it. Today we turned a page for sure – but this is not as much about the Oilers today, but what we continue to do as part of an overall plan.

Our decision is about the direction we want to take and the opportunities we have today and tomorrow with the brilliant young players we have acquired and those we have in the organization. I want everyone to know that our decision was much more to do with a plan than a reaction. Ryan is taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our opportunity is to have a sound strategy for the future.

I would also like to say that Ryan Smyth has contributed a great deal over 12 seasons here in Edmonton. He should be thanked for his contribution on the ice and in the community.”

Oilers President and Chief Executive Officer, Patrick LaForge added “While on the one hand some Oilers fans might be distressed that this trade was made today, I want those same fans to be assured that the Oilers will use these excellent young players and our own deep pool of young talent in a new plan for this team. We can afford to spend the money necessary to have the kind of elite players expected. This was about the Oilers staying true to a plan. I know our hockey strategy is sound.”

Nilsson, currently in his second pro season, leads the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in scoring with 12-33-45 in 50 American Hockey League games and has 34 penalty minutes this season. He tops the Islanders affiliate in assists and is fifth in goals. The 5’11”, 185 pound forward made his professional debut in 2005-06, splitting the season between the Islanders and Bridgeport. He scored 6-14-20 with 26 PIM in 53 games with New York in his NHL rookie season.

The 22-year-old played three seasons in Europe with Lkesands, Hammarby and and Djurgardens IF in Sweden and Fribourg-Gotteronn of Switzerland.

O’Marra is in his fourth season in the Ontario Hockey League and has scored 21-18-39 with 63 penalty minutes in 39 games with the Saginaw Spirit and Erie Otters. The 6’2”, 207 pound centre, who was born in Tokyo, Japan began the season with Erie and scored 8-6-14 in 13 games for the Otters before joining Saginaw. He has sascored 13-12-25 in 26 games for the Spirit.

He is a double gold medalist with the Canadian National Junior Team, winning the gold medal at the 2006 and 2007 IIHF World Junior Championships.

In his four OHL seasons, the 19-year-old has scored at almost a point-per-game pace with 89-122-211 in 227 career games and has 290 penalty minutes. He has added another 15 points with nine goals and six assists in 15 playoff games.

Following the end of Erie’s season in 2005-06, O’Marra made his pro debut, playing eight games with Bridgeport. He scored 4-1-5 in his eight regular season games and added one assist in three AHL playoff games.

Oilers fail to work out deal with hometown favorite R. Smyth
AP, Feb. 27, 2007

EDMONTON, Alberta -- The Edmonton Oilers couldn't reach a new deal with Ryan Smyth so they dealt the star forward to the New York Islanders just before Tuesday's NHL trade deadline.

The Oilers received prospects Robert Nilsson and Ryan O'Marra -- both first-round draft picks -- and a first-round selection in this year's draft for Smyth.

Smyth's agent Don Meehan said that he and the Oilers talked over the last 24 hours but couldn't get a deal done.

"I'm surprised actually given what Ryan is to the community and what he has been to the franchise," Meehan said. "But I understand that with all due respect they have the ability to make these decisions and that's what management has to do in these circumstances."

Smyth, 31, is making $3.5 million this season and is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, meaning the Oilers were at risk of losing him for nothing in the offseason. It's believed he had been hoping for a long-term deal with the Oilers worth at least $5 million a season.

"I think we had a different view in relation to where we felt Ryan was at, in relation to the industry given what transpired this past summer with free agency and the people that would be available this summer in relation to free agency," Meehan said. "So I think we felt strongly in that position."

Smyth led the Oilers in scoring this season with 31 goals and 22 assists in 53 games. But the Oilers are facing long odds to reach the playoffs. Heading into Tuesday's game against Phoenix, they trailed the Calgary Flames by nine points for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

New York sat in ninth place in the East at the start of play Tuesday, one point behind Carolina and the playoff cutoff.

"Ryan Smyth is a premier NHL player," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said. "The New York Islanders are proud to have Ryan become a member of our organization."

It was the only deal Tuesday for the Islanders, who kept leading scorer Jason Blake despite the possibility that he can be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Smyth didn't have the look of a player that was about to be dealt during the pregame skate in the morning.

He skated hard through drills and joked with his teammates. While taking off his equipment, he carefully examined a white board outlining the schedule for Mark Messier's number retirement ceremony later Tuesday.

It is arguably the biggest trade the Oilers have made since sending Messier to the New York Rangers in 1991. While they dealt players like Doug Weight and Jason Arnott after that, neither player was beloved like Smyth in Edmonton.

A native of nearby Banff, Smyth was drafted by the Oilers sixth overall in 1994 and had spent his entire career with the team.

"I think Ryan offers a lot to a franchise, I think he offers a great deal to any competitive team within the league," Meehan. "Yes, there was a degree of compromise and I'll convey to you that both sides compromised throughout this process but not to the degree where we both felt comfortable that we could come to a deal."

Nilsson was the Islanders' first-round pick in 2003. He's recorded 12 goals and 33 assists in 50 games with the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

O'Marra, who has won back-to-back gold medals for Canada at the world junior hockey championship, is currently playing for the OHL's Erie Otters. He was New York's first-round pick in 2005.

Sound tigers weekly report and notebook
by Michael Fornabaio, connpost.com, Jan. 31, 2007

COMING AROUND — Robert Nilsson thinks there's an answer for the back spasms that have plagued him for nearly two months.

"I got it from a cross-check," Nilsson said. "Now I've got a pad to cover it all. Hopefully, it won't hurt again."

Nilsson had stretches where they bothered him, stretches where they didn't, stretches where they would pop up sporadically. He played two games last week in which he had to miss the third period. "The last game I played, I felt good in the first period," Nilsson said. "In the second period, it got bad again. That's how it is."

SOUND TIGERS TOP BEARS FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN
soundtigers.com, Jan. 13, 2007

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers defeated the visiting Hershey Bears 5-2 on Saturday night, earning their third consecutive win, before 5,043 fans at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Bridgeport's potent offensive line of Jeff Tambellini, Robert Nilsson and Frans Nielsen led the way, with each player scoring once and adding a pair of assists. Nielsen extended his point scoring streak to 10 games, closing him to within two games of tying the franchise record. The Sound Tigers improved to 16-16-1-3 and the Bears fell to 26-8-3-4.

Jason Pitton opened the scoring with his fourth of the year when he deflected home a feed from Masi Marjamaki to finish a perfectly-executed two-on-one opportunity at 13:58; Mark Wotton also assisted the play. The Sound Tigers grabbed a 2-0 lead on Tambellini's power play tally, a shot from the high slot set up by Nilsson and Nielsen just 2:02 into the second period. Tambellini leads the Sound Tigers with 18 goals. Hershey's Alexandre Giroux scored when he jammed home a loose puck in the crease at 8:46 of the middle period, but Nilsson regained the Sound Tigers' two-goal edge with his eighth of the campaign, at the 13:55 mark, set up by linemates Tambellini and Nielsen.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (CP) - Bridgeport Sound Tigers centre Robert Nilsson is the American Hockey League player of the week.

Nilsson had four goals and three assists in three games last week. The Calgary native had two goals and an assist on back-to-back nights: a 5-1 win in Worcester on Friday and a 4-3 overtime win in Hershey on Saturday.

Sound Tigers Forward Robert Nilsson
Sound Tigers multimedia, Nov. 22, 2006

Click to watch Phil Giubileo’s interview with AHL Player of the Week for the week ending November 19th, Robert Nilsson.

Connpost.com 2006-07 Player Capsule

NAME — Robert Nilsson
NUMBER — 9
POSITION — Center
SHOOTS — Left
VITALS — 5-11, 183
BORN — Jan. 10, 1985, Calgary, Alberta
LAST SEASON — Bridgeport (29: 8-20-28), N.Y. Islanders (53: 6-14-20)
RESUME — Slick playmaker and scorer hit highlight reels in his rookie season with nifty lacrosse-style goal Jan. 25 at Wilkes-Barre. ... Was the 15th overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. ... Scored two points 10 times in his 29 AHL games. ... Scored Bridgeport's first playoff goal; had five points in the series.

islesinfo.com Training Camp News

September 26, 2006: The Islanders have cut 28 players from their training camp roster and returned them to either the Bridgeport Sound Tigers training camp, or their various junior clubs. Among the most notable cut was RW Robert Nilsson, who did not have a very good camp in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Nilsson failed to impress new head coach Ted Nolan and reportedly played in camp like he already had a position sewed up on the team.

Nolan prides his teams on hard work and the talented Nilsson did not convince that he was a hard worker. Originally slated for possible first line duty this year, Nilsson will return to Bridgeport it seems to work his way back onto the Islanders. Also cut was Petteri Nokelainen. With Sean Bergenheim not in camp this year, none of the Islanders last 5 first round picks will likely be in the opening night lineup.

“We all feel he’s going to be a great player,” Isle head coach Ted Nolan said of Nilsson last night. “But he still has parts of the game he has to learn.”

Among the areas Nolan wants Nilsson improve in are driving to the net, finishing checks and playing with more grit.

2005-06 Update: May 1, 2006 Update: Robert Nilsson went 2-5-7 in 9 games played with the New York Islanders in the month of April. He finished a -6 in 53 games of his rookie season with the Islanders. Nilsson was the second highest scoring rookie on the Islanders with 20 points(Chris Campoli had 34 pts). He recorded a goal and 2 assists in a 5-0 win vs. the Washington Capitals on April 8th. Nilsson was returned to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on April 19th for their first round playoff series vs. the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He finished 12th on the Sound Tigers inscoring during the regular season with 28 points in 29 games played. He ranked third among rookies on the team in scoring behind Jeremy Colliton and Masi Marjamaki. 

Playoffs: The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins defeated the Sound Tigers 4 games to 3 in their first round playoff series. Nilsson was Bridgeport's second leading scorer on the team, behind Rob Collins, going 1-4-5 in 7 games played. He was a -3 in the series. Nilsson's goal came in Game 1, a 2-1 win by Bridgeport at the Wachovia Center. Nilsson was re-united on a line with Sean Bergenheim and Jeremy Colliton for most of the series.

April 1, 2006 Update: Robert Nilsson went 2-5-7 in 16 games played with the New York Islanders in the month of March. He played most of the month on the Islanders top line with Alexei Yashin and Sean Bergenheim, whom he has built some chemistry with the Islanders and in Bridgeport. A crafty playmaker, Nilsson needs to build up his strength over the summer to avoid getting knocked off the puck as much as he has at times with the Islanders. Was named one of the three stars of the game twice during the month of March. He is slated to return to Bridgeport at the end of the NHL season to take part in the AHL playoffs.

March 1, 2006 Update: Robert Nilsson went 2-6-8 in 8 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the month of February. Scored the game winning goal in a 4-1 win vs. the Providence Bruins February 4th. Has developed chemistry with Sean Bergenheim and both their games improved with Jeremy Colliton as their center man. Nilsson was held scoreless in 3 games played with the New York Islanders. He was called up to New York on February 7th and played in games at Philadelphia on the 8th and at New Jersey on the 11th. Nilsson was returned to Bridgeport during the Olympic break but returned to practice on February 23rd. He played for the Islanders vs. Montreal on February 28th and is expected to remain with the Islanders for the duration of the season.

February 1, 2006: Robert Nilsson went 1-5-6 in 9 games played during the month of January with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He recorded 2 assists and a shootout goal to help the Sound Tigers win 4-3 vs. the Hershey Bears January 6th. He missed 4 games with illness during mid January sitting out games on the 11th, 14th, 15th & 16th. On January 25th Nilsson scored one of the most memorable goals this season in professional hockey in a 4-3 shootout win at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The highly talked about play now dubbed "the goal" saw Nilsson skate behind the baby Penguins net, scoop the puck up on his stick lacrosse style and wrap it around into the top corner of the net behind the goaltenders shoulder. Nilsson went on to celebrate his goal while all of the other unsuspecting skaters kept the play going. Robert also recorded an assist in the win as well as an important shootout goal. If you haven't seen it below is a link to the goal.

"the goal" ( 2.7 mb, 35 secs, .wmv )

Below is video of "the goal" from a Swedish television broadcast. In the short clip they also show footage of Robert's father Kent Nilsson and ask "whose better?" Seems a bit unfair to make a comparison at this early of a stage.

Robert vs. Kent ( 1kb, 47 secs, .asx )

January 1, 2006 Update: After spending the first two months of the season with the Islanders, they decided to send Robert Nilsson to Bridgeport of the AHL to get some more ice time on December 3, 2005. That night Nilsson made his Sound Tiger debut and scored the game winning powerplay goal in a 3-0 win vs. the Philadelphia Phantoms. He scored 3 goals in his first two games. Nilsson ended the month of December on a 7 game point scoring streak in which he has tallied 2 goals and 11 points. Has 6 assists in a three game span from Dec. 28th to Dec. 31st. On December 23rd Nilsson scored a shootout goal vs. the Hartford Wolfpack. He scored as the third shooter. In the AHL, teams take 5 shots a piece as opposed to the NHL's three and teams can use players over again as opposed to the NHL where you have to go through the entire bench. With the shootout tied 3-3 Nilsson was called on again to be the 7th shooter but the second time was unsuccessful, giving Hartford the 3-2 game win. Prior to getting sent down, Nilsson had not practiced with the Islanders for three days due to rib soreness. He missed two games for the Sound Tigers in December. He played on December 10th, but not on Dec. 9th or 11th.

Robert Nilsson has shown some flashes of brilliance in his first NHL season with the New York Islanders. GM Mike Milbury stated that Nilsson may be the best playmaker on the team. At times he has stood out as the Islanders best player, especially on the power play. On October 29, 2005 Nilsson recorded his first NHL goal on a sweet give and go with Alexei Yashin at the Nassau Coliseum against Martin Biron and the Buffalo Sabres. He also recorded an assist in the game. The goal tied the game at 3-3 in the third period but the Islanders went on to lose the game 6-4. Robert's first NHL point was an assist in a 5-3 Islander win at Washington off a goal by Trent Hunter on October 13, 2005.

Highlights:

* Named 1st star with first NHL goal and an assist in 6-4 Islander loss to Buffalo Sabres 10/29/05.

* Named 2nd star with 2 goals in a 5-3 loss vs. the Hartford Wolfpack December 4, 2005.

* Named 2nd star with 2 goals in 5-2 loss vs. the Norfolk Admirals December 18, 2005.

* Named 2nd star with 2 assists in 4-0 win vs. the Springfield Falcons December 28, 2005. 

* Named 2nd star with 2 assists in 3-2 win vs. the Philadelphia Phantoms on January 28, 2006.

* Named 3rd star with 2 assists in 5-1 win vs. the Hartford Wolf Pack February 22, 2006.

* Named 3rd star with a goal in 2-1 SO win vs. Toronto Maple Leafs March 10, 2006.

* Named 2nd star with a goal(GW) and an assist in 3-1 win vs. Montreal Canadiens 3/21/06.

* Named 1st star with shootout GW goal in 5-4 win vs. Pittsburgh Penguins April 15, 2006.

Sound Tigers' Robert Nilsson and 'the shot'

(Bridgeport-WTNH.com, Feb. 23, 2006) _ To the trained eye it was a spectacular goal. So good that Bridgeport sound tiger player Robert Nilsson has trouble recreating it.

• by News Channel 8's John Pierson

His bag is loaded with tricks. The latest-- may be his greatest

"The goal -- when it happened i didn't really believe it," says Coach Dave Baseggio.

"Probably the most impressive thing I've ever seen in a game," says forward Rob Collins.

"I don't know why I did it, but the situation was good and I just tried to do it and it worked that time," says Nilsson.

That time was the first time Robert Nilsson ever tried that shot, at least in a game.

"Might you do it again?"
"I don't know (laughs)."

Back home in Sweden Nilsson has been dubbed "Mini Magic," which makes sense considering his dad is former NHLer Kent Nilsson, who went by the nickname "Magic."

"You don't like the 'Mini Magic'?"
"Nah, it's fun, but it's nothing what the guys are calling me."

No, the guys have other things to say about the young Swede.

"His father was a great player and the apple didn't fall to far from the tree," says Baseggio. "He has world-class skill, speed, and he really is learning the complete game."

"He's still a kid, ya gotta remember that," says Collins. "He just turned 21 so he's got a lot of growing up to do. To be as far along as he is at such a young age is pretty impressive."

"Fans, get a good look at him while he's here because he's gonna be in the NHL for a long time," says Baseggio.

Nilsson actually started this season with The New York Islanders, even scored his first career NHL goal. Since then Nilsson has bounced back and forth between Long Island and Bridgeport.

"I play 20 minutes a game down here," says Nilsson. "It's just about how much ice time I get and its better for me to play down here 20 than three up there. When I'm ready to play more upstairs they're gonna bring me back."
"Do you think you're ready?"
"I think so."

With confidence to match his skills Nilsson says he doesn't feel much pressure as one of hockey's top prospects. Pressure is trying to re-create "the goal."

Practice makes perfect.

BRIDGEPORT, CT - The American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, top affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York Islanders, have announced the recall of forward Robert Nilsson by the big club. Nilsson has joined the Islanders on the road in Philadelphia in time for Wednesday night's road games versus the Flyers.

Nilsson has two goals, four assists, six points and ten penalty minutes in 25 NHL games with the Islanders, as well as seven goals, 15 assists, 22 points and 12 penalty minutes in 23 AHL games with the Sound Tigers this season. The Islanders' first pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft made highlight reels throughout North America after he scored a lacrosse-style goal for the Sound Tigers by lifting the puck onto the tip of his inverted stick blade and jamming it just inside the post and under the cross bar as he rounded the net in a 4-3 shootout win on the road versus the league-leading Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on January 25th.

Islanders send Nilsson to Bridgeport
December 3, 2005

DETROIT (AP) - The New York Islanders recalled defenceman Bruno Gervais and forwards Kevin Colley and Wyatt Smith from Bridgeport of the AHL on Saturday and sent down struggling forward Robert Nilsson.

Nilsson, the 15th overall pick in the 2003 draft, has two goals and four assists in 25 games this season - his first in the NHL. He has gone without a point in 17 of his last 21 contests.

"He played banged up a bit for a few games(sore ribs) and then we gave him a few days of rest," Stirling said of the 20-year-old centre. "Right now, he's not on one of our top forward lines, and Robert is too young and too talented to be sitting on the bench. We need him playing a lot.

"He'll get plenty of ice time in Bridgeport ... and then we'll see. Make no mistake: Robert is going to be a big part of the Islanders for a long time."

 

Isles Sign Robert Nilsson for 3 years
August 18, 2005: With the NHL coming to transfer agreements between them, the IIHF and all the hockey nations, except Russia, it has been reported in the Aftonbladet, a well known Swedish publication, that the Islanders have agreed on a three year deal with RW Robert Nilsson. The deal is apparently worth the maximum rookie salary.

- The source goes on to report that Nilsson received a two way contract that would pay him $940,000 in 2005-06 if he plays in the NHL, with a signing bonus of $282,000. There's supposedly also an incentive that could increase the overall signing bonus as high as $2.1 million.

"I am very pleased," said Nilsson, who has been nicknamed Mini Magic. "The Islanders has shown they want to have me."

The article goes on to mention Robert's father and former NHL'er Kent Nilsson, even going as far to wonder if the younger Nilsson can duplicate his father's rookie season in the WHA when he tallied 107 points for the Winnipeg Jets in 1977-78. Obviously that is very unlikely as Robert has struggled to get ice time over the last couple of season's with Djurgarden and other various clubs in Sweden and he could probably use some seasoning down on the farm. But he will be reporting to Islander rookie camp in a couple of weeks and then will compete for a roster spot with the Islanders shortly after that.

Nilsson was the Islanders first round pick, 15th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

He is a skilled & flashy forward that has been compared to Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund. More to come....

courtesy eliteprospects.com

#1 ROBERT NILSSON

Birthdate: 10.01.85
Place of Birth: Calgary, Canada
Position: Forward / Center / Wing
Shoots: Left
Length: 5-11
Weight: 181
Team: Leksand
Nickname: "Mini-Magic", father Kent was "Magic"

History
Robert Nilsson is the well known and the most hyped prospect of all the draft eligible Swedes this year. His progress has been closely monitored for several years and he has received extra attention due to the fact that he is the son of former NHL-star Kent Nilsson, nowadays working as scout for the Edmonton Oilers.
Two years ago Robert Nilsson was considered among the very best in his age group; his stock has however dropped since then. After a very strong 00/01 season with Leksand in the junior league (42 points in 23 games) he was expected to establish himself with Leksand’s senior team in the 2nd-tier league the following season. Robert had however some problems adjusting to the game and spent also the 01/02 mostly in the junior league, although he “only” managed to score 31 points in 22 games that season.

Because of Robert’s rather poor 01/02 campaign not a lot of experts believed that he was ready to step in and contribute right away this season, being a rookie in the elite league. Nilsson did prove them wrong though. He started out on the fourth line but with the departure of former NHLer Mike Stapleton, Nilsson moved up to the third line and saw more ice-time. He showed immediately he was capable of and started to produce offensively.
When the regular season was over Robert had broken Markus Näslund’s old record for points by a junior-B player (18 years and under) with 8 goals and 13 assists in 41 games. Those numbers made him also the highest scoring rookie of the year.

During the U20 Championships this past winter team Sweden had a very poor showing but Nilsson who played mostly against players two years older than him, did pretty well scoring 4 goals and 2 assists in 6 games. He was also expected to compete in the U18 Championships in April, but broke his ankle in an exhibition game and missed the tourney.

Talent Analysis
Most experts agree that Nilsson is the most talented Swedish player since the Sedins and pretty much on par with Peter Forsberg and Markus Näslund when they were Nilsson’s age.
It should be noted however that Näslund and especially Forsberg developed their games dramatically the year after they were drafted and we can’t take for granted that Nilsson’s development will turn out just as well.

So what about Nilsson’s skills?
Nilsson is extremely gifted offensively. He can do pretty much anything with the puck and combines a great skating technique with fine technical skills, excellent passes and tremendous hockey sense. He is more of a play-maker than a sniper but is still capable of putting in the net, although he could work some with his finishing skills anyway.
While father Kent Nilsson wasn’t really recognized as a physical player his son is actually quite fond of using his body. He likes to throw a good hit every game and plays with a lot of grit in the offensive zone. When comparing Nilsson to other young players his maturity and strength stands out. He is totally fearless out on the ice and plays well through traffic.
Looking at Robert’s weaknesses only one really stands out; his defensive game. Just like his father, Robert also prefers to play offense and his defensive coverage could definitely use some improvement.

Another topic that has been discussed during the season is Nilsson’s consistency problems. All through the season he has scored his points during a number of stretches and not been contributing on regular basis. If Nilsson actually has a problem being consistent remains to be seen because we have to have in mind that when you are 17, 18 – years old and playing against men you are expected to have slow periods. Also Robert wasn’t regular during the entire season and played on various different lines which could also be a reason why his scoring wasn’t too consistent.

Nilsson is not a giant. With his 5-10, 5-11 frame he is a rather smallish forward but luckily he does not shy away from traffic and physical contact and has already showed that he has no problems playing against older and larger opponents.

Draft Projection
Nilsson is a first rounder for sure. It is more uncertain to predict how early he’ll get picked though.
- He’ll be a very early pick in next year’s draft. There are 30 NHL teams out there and they all want him, Los Angeles chief scout Al Murray’s words after he saw a game with Nilsson in November 2002.
It is safe to say that since then several other very talented players have emerged, and due to Robert suffering an injury and missing the U18 championships, it is now more realistic to think that Robert will get drafted somewhere between 8-20.

Next Season
There have been some loose rumors about Robert wanting to move over to North America and continue his progress in the CHL. It is however likely that those roumors are taken out of thin air since Nilsson extended his contract with Leksand in April and is already an established elite league player.
It is very possibly that Robert will have huge breakout season next year and if it goes really well he could put up 35-40 points. He is as skilled as they come and will be the big star of the Swedish U20-team in the U20 championships this winter. We can also expect that Nilsson will get a shot to play with “Tre Kronor” (the Swedish national team) if he plays convincing in the elite league.

NHL Future
Robert could be ready to play his first NHL-season already next year. It is however not too common that Swedish players leave that early for the NHL and likely Leksand’s top prospect will remain in Sweden for two years at least.
With his excellent offensive skills Nilsson has the potential to become a first line player in the NHL with the ability to score 80-90 points. There are however still aspects that needs to be improved.

Profile: Being the son of former NHLer and star, Kent Nilsson, the expectations are already very high on the young Robert. Robert has received a lot of attention although he yet to play a full elite league season. Robert plays fine two-way game. His offensive skills are really far-fetched. He's a good scorer, but his playmaking skills are even more impressing. They take you back to Peter Forsberg, who always finds someone to pass in tricky situations. Robert is also willing to play a physical game. This was one Kent's weaknesses 10-years ago. But his son is a tougher player and you have to remember that he is not fully grown yet. With some more weight and muscles this guy will cause even more trouble for the defenders. Nilsson is expected to get drafted early in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, but it all depends on how well he does this season.

islesinfo comment: This is a good selection. And not to pat myself on the back, but as you may remember in the islesinfo draft preview I predicted the Isles would select Nilsson 15th overall IF Zach Parise wasn't on the board. Well, I was 99.9% correct because the Islanders still decided on Nilsson even with Parise on still available. But I think this is a good pick. Nilsson has put up numbers over in Sweden comparable to Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund. He could be the next good player out of Sweden and loves to make flashy passes. He's a great puckhandler and was obviously heavily scouted by the Islanders scout Anders Kallur. For those who had a problem with the pick, namely Pierre Macquire, an analyst with TSN, I say "what does he know?" What NHL team is he a GM for? He was so in love with Parise and wanted a team to draft him even though he was a smallish player, yet trashed Nilsson and the Islanders even though Nilsson is just about the same height and weight as Parise. I'm not going to lie. My first choice would have been Parise, probably because of the bloodlines and all. But Nilsson is a solid pick and I'm happy with it.

THN: Question: Name the player who broke Markus Naslund's record for the most points by a 17 year old in the Swedish Elite League? Answer: Robert Nilsson's 21 points this season for Leksand were two more than Naslund's showing in 1990-91 for MoDo, and four up on Peter Forsberg in the same season. Nilsson is a major offensive talent and is very much in the mold of his father, Kent, arguably the most talented Calgary Flame ever. "He wants to be a player. He goes to games with his father and we've been seeing him at the rink for years," said a European scout. "He is confident and at times cocky, but he just loves hockey and wants to be a player." There have been comparisons to Detroit star Henrik Zetterberg, but the European Scout says Nilsson is a better player at this age. "It might be a roller coaster ride because he has to grow up a little, but everything is there," he said. "He makes those great passes behind his back that you can't even see. He has a lot of hockey sense."

CSB: An offensive minded player who has some of the magic of his father, Kent, who played 9 NHL seasons with Atlanta, Calgary, Minnesota and Edmonton....has excellent puck skills and great moves and dekes....moves well on ice....a very good, smooth skater....very good passer and playmaker with excellent hockey sense, smart....has soft, good hands....a good competitor, but he sometimes tries to do too much....could be a bit more effective in his defensive game....playing in the Swedish League has made him tougher, more aggressive on ice....not very big but does not shy away from the physical part of the game....shows a willingness to play the body....has been playing with and against older players for several years....has all the tools needed to become a star....top scorer on Team Sweden at 2003 World Junior Championships in Halifax (6GP 4-2-6).

Robert Nilsson - the next Swedish star in NY?

So, the 2003 NHL Entry Draft is over. Sweden’s young star Robert Nilsson is now NY Islanders property and his road to becoming an NHLer will be very closely monitored the next few years. If everything goes according to plan Robert will join legends Tomas Jonsson, Stefan Persson and forward Anders Kallur that were important players with the Islanders during the 70’s and 80’s.

- I know that Anders Kallur is a scout there, and the team is building up for a very strong team in the next three years. I hope to make that team even better, Nilsson’s reply as he was asked about what he knew about the NY Islanders, during draft day.

It was no surprise for Robert that the Islanders were looking to draft him
- I knew that they were interested, but it's so hard to predict where it's going to end up, because there are so many good players. I knew I was going to be drafted 15-20, something like that. It's very fun, though, the most fun in my life, actually.

Nilsson will most definitely have even more fun during his future career as a hockey player. He is a rare talent and has already at the young age of 18 established himself as a very good elite league player. The fact that his father, Kent Nilsson, was a huge star in the NHL and has a lot of good tips to give Nilsson doesn’t hurt either. Some experts have even compared his game to his father’s.

- I never saw my father play, but I've heard I'm like my father, but a little more physical, a little more nasty. If I'm going to compare myself to any player from Sweden, I think it's Forsberg, but not as good on defense as he is. That's what I think, and what I've heard.

This is not the first time we hear Nilsson being compared to Avalanche star Forsberg. They both share that exceptional hockey sense and control many aspects of the game, although just like Nilsson said above, Peter was on another level when it comes to defensive awareness, when he was Nilsson’s age. But the great understanding of the game, the strong passing game, the grit and the determined mind to win at all times are things they both have in common.

Despite Nilsson’s talent it would be foolish to say that there aren’t certain elements in his game that could use some improvement.

- My best aspect is my hockey sense; I read the play good. Some things I have to improve is my skating, and my defensive play.

Nilsson’s skating ability hasn’t been a big concern for the scouts. He is strong on his skates, has good balance but hasn’t got that extra speed. His defensive game is however not what it could/should be. For those of you that remember Robert’s father Kent Nilsson you all know that he wasn’t at all fond of playing defense. Obviously it is a genetic thing since the young Nilsson’s game is also a lot about offense.

It is safe to say that Robert Nilsson is currently the most talented Swedish player out there. He is perhaps the only Swede with the potential to become a player with the same status as Sweden’s current superstars; Forsberg, Näslund, Sundin and Lidström.
The road is long but if Nilsson remains healthy and has a good attitude we might have a new Swedish star in 4-6 years.

Author: Johan Nilsson, eliteprospects.com

Redline Report: 6/20/03

Robert Nilsson, C-W, 5-11, 183, 1/10/85, Leksand (Sweden): 41 GP, 8 G, 13 A, 21 PTS, 10 PIM

Scouts and statisticians are making all kinds of lofty predictions when it comes to NHL Central Scouting's ninth-ranked European skater. He's the son of former NHLer Kent Nilsson and with eight goals and 13 assists in 41 games broke Markus Naslund's record for points by a 17-year-old in the Swedish Elite League. At least one scout thinks he's better at his age than Calder Trophy finalist Henrik Zetterberg was. Like his father, he is a gifted passer who should have no trouble becoming the second generation of his family to reach the NHL. He could go late in the first round, however, due to a lack of size.

Draft Document: Robert Nilsson

Robert Nilsson, LW, Leksand (Swedish Elite League)
5-foot-10, 178 pounds
Shoots: Left

From the start of the 2002-03 season, Nilsson has been watched closely as scouts have already lined up big shoes for him to fill, since his father is former Calgary Flames forward Kent Nilsson.

Adding to the pressure, Nilsson also has been compared to Colorado Avalanche star Peter Forsberg. This kind of expectation can make it tough on a young player.

Nilsson is something that Sweden has been in short supply of recently: a potential top 10 pick. Since the early '90s, Sweden has fallen off the pace in producing top-level talent for the NHL. Some very good players have come along since then, but none considered as good as Nilsson.

While he is compared to Forsberg, it is unlikely he will attain those lofty expectations. Nilsson has the attitude and guidance (from dear old dad) to reach the NHL and become an elite player. For proof, just listen to most scouts comments. Usually with a player that is only 5-foot-10 and 178 pounds, the first thing scouts mention is his size and how it will hurt him at the NHL level. But for Nilsson, few scouts even mention it. Fewer still say it will be a burden for the budding young gem. That is one of the biggest compliments a player of that stature can get. Once NHL ready, Nilsson will end up at a playing weight around 195 pounds -- not huge, but enough to handle the rigors of NHL.

The Upside

Nilsson's biggest asset is his offensive skill set. One of the few 18-year-olds to play in the SEL, Nilsson got there and stayed there because of his above average offensive abilities. The fact that Leksand released its import player (former NHLer Mike Stapleton, no less) helped free up ice time for Nilsson. Firmly positioned on the third line for most of the season, Nilsson improved defensively while continuing to put up numbers.

He set a new SEL record for most points in one season by an 18-year-old, breaking Markus Naslund's record. Nilsson had several multi-point games (rare for an 18 year old) and his offensive play improved noticeably throughout the season.

Nilsson did not win Rookie of the Year awards, but few can argue that he has potential superstar written all over him. He is a highly talented winger who possesses excellent skills, has very soft hands and handles the puck exceptionally well.

Nilsson isn't afraid of playing in heavy traffic and can maneuver in traffic well with the puck on his stick. He fights for pucks along the boards and around the net. Nilsson has terrific vision and hockey sense, making him capable of great passes. He possesses good variety of shots, especially a very accurate wrister and isn't afraid to use them.

Nilsson makes use of his sharp instincts to score goals and generate offense. Nilsson is viewed as a very raw offensive talent with power forward qualities. He is a strong player and has the speed to complement his overall offensive arsenal.

The Downside

Nilsson has defensive shortcomings. A lot of it seems to be due simply to a lack of maturity. Let's not forget that this kid was brought up by a dad who scored 131 points in one season with the Calgary Flames. To say that the senior Nilsson might have emphasized offense with his son is a slight understatement. However, in today's NHL, you can't be all about offense -- you must learn to develop a solid all-around game, and Nilsson is still working on this.

While a lack of defensive responsibility isn't good, it is also something that can easily be corrected with good coaching and a player with the right attitude. Most elite players go through a stage of believing they can do it all, and neglect their defensive responsibilities for the glamor of the big offensive stats.

However, one thing could stand in his way: himself. Some scouts have questioned Nilsson's work ethic. Now scouts have to ask the question of whether this is just a young kid cracking under the pressure of the impending draft or is this the way it's going to be when he hits the NHL.

Some have gone as far as to say he hasn't put forth a good work ethic since the end of the 2000-01 season. Granted he is no Alexander Volchkov (a former highly drafted player who once got dressed and left in the middle of a game after he felt he wasn't getting enough ice time), but it still is something the scouts never like to hear.

Nilsson's primary weakness in the skill department is skating, something scouts disagree about. Some believe he needs a bigger burst of speed, while others say he is actually a great skater with exceptional speed.

Final Analysis

Nilsson is a very good prospect, with the skills and physical play needed to become a game-breaking NHL player. He is sure to become a fan favorite wherever he ends up.

Nilsson made news earlier this year when asked when he would like to go in the upcoming Entry Draft. He replied that he would love to go to Calgary, his birth city, and play for the Flames. While his reasoning for this is understandable, the fact that he would make such a bold statement is unique.

Nilsson made great strides this year, settling into an offensive role with Leksand. He is still very streaky, but when he plays his best, he performs like a top three pick. Without a doubt, Nilsson will be one of the top offensive threats available in this year's draft, possibly a top five player based on pure offensive skill. He should become a power-play quarterback and solid physical player who is capable of playing on a top line.

Sporting News: Robert Nilsson   6/22/03

Nilsson is one of several players who are the sons of former NHL players -- his father, Kent Nilsson, was a star with the Calgary Flames. Unlike a number of top European players who came to North America to further their careers, Nilsson went to Sweden and played there. Another solid two-way player, Nilsson's best attribute is his playmaking ability. He reminds some scouts of a young Peter Forsberg, because he inds ways to make good passes in tough situations and is willing to engage in rough stuff. He should continue to grow and get stronger, which will make him even more robust for the NHL grind.

Aftonbladet Swedish News: 4/13/03

Robert Nilsson skrev på nytt kontrakt med Leksand

LEKSAND . Leksand får behålla Robert "Mini-Magic" Nilsson i ytterligare ett år, på söndagen skrev Robert Nilsson, som är son till före hockeyspelaren Kent "Magic" Nilsson, på ett nytt kontrakt med Leksand.
  "Vi tycker att det är oerhört roligt att vi får Sveriges största talang att spela vidare i föreningen och vi hoppas att Robert ska fortsätta utvecklas och att vi får stor glädje av honom i vinter", säger sportchefen Anders "Masken" Carlsson i ett pressmeddelande.
  Robert Nilsson själv kommenterar varför han fortsätter i Leksand:
  "Jag känner att det ger mig maximalt att stanna kvar här både vad det gäller speltid och för min utveckling i stort. Sedan trivs jag så bra i Leksand också. Så det hade varit fel gentemot mig själv och min utveckling att flytta härifrån".
  Robert Nilsson, som för närvarande är gipsad efter att ha brutit vänster ben, gjorde 21 poäng (8 mål och 13 assist) i elitserien i vinter och blev därmed bäste B-junior genom tiderna i elitserien.

Robert Nilsson signs new contract with Leksands
above interpreted briefly by islesinfo.com

Leksand: Robert "Mini-Magic" Nilsson, son of Kent "Magic" Nilsson signs a new contract with Leksands for 2003-04 season. His coach Anders "Worm" Carlsson is pleased to have him back. Robert scored 21 points ( 8 goals and 13 assists ) as a B-junior rookie player in 2002-03 with Leksands of the Swedish Elite League.

Robert Nilsson out with a broken ankle

Author: Johan Nilsson

Robert Nilsson to miss U-18 tourney

Between the 4th and 9th of February Sweden's most talented player, Robert Nilsson, was supposed to compete with Team Sweden U-18 in a 5-nation tournament.

The tournament is held in the Czech Rep and Robert, who is obviously the big star on the team, was expected to get accustomed with the teammates before playing in WJC-18 later this spring.

Robert felt the pain in Leksand's game yesterday (which they lost to Frölunda). Despite it likely being only a minor hip injury Robert will now rest for a while.

He will be replaced by Piteå's youngster Niklas Johansson.

Author: Johan Nilsson, eliteprospects.com

The next Nilsson
Son of Flames great ready to conjure some magic of his own

By IAN BUSBY -- Calgary Sun [12/12/03]

As if by magic, Calgary's sole representative at this month's world junior championships will play for Team Sweden.

Robert Nilsson was born here in 1985 when his father played for the Calgary Flames.

You might remember his dad.

Kent Nilsson was arguably the most talented player to ever don the Flaming C and he continues to own several franchise records more than 17 years after he played his last game for the club.

The Nilsson family moved back to Sweden when Robert was six but his ties to Calgary and its NHL hockey franchise apparently have never been severed.

"I want to play for the Flames," Robert said from his home in Leksand, Sweden, where he plays for the junior Leksand Stars.

"But I heard they're in last place right now."

Well, not quite, but the Flames will have to rack up a lot of losses to have a shot at drafting the son of an NHLer nicknamed The Magic Man because of his dazzling playmaking and tendency to disappear in pressure situations.

Kent's enigmatic nature hasn't tarnished his son's burgeoning reputation.

Robert Nilsson is the top-ranked Swedish skater by Central Scouting and is projected to be snapped up early in next year's NHL Entry Draft.

In fact, he could be the first Swede taken with the No. 1 overall pick since Mats Sundin was selected by Quebec in 1989.

Robert had no idea he would be the only Calgary-born player participating in the world junior tournament, which kicks off on Dec. 26 in Halifax.

"That's pretty cool," said Nilsson, who has only a vague recollection of the city.

"I've been there for visits and that's the only way I remember it but I love it there."

Being Kent's son garners him a lot of attention, especially in Sweden where the elder Nilsson is a hockey legend.

But growing up under constant media scrutiny means Robert just disregards the expectations that come with his family name.

"It's not really a problem. I've heard about that a lot in the newspapers, so I'm really getting used to it," said Robert, adding he's taking the same approach in regards to the draft.

"I'm trying not to think about it. But that's the dream, to make the NHL."

One of his extended visits to Calgary was in 1998, when Kent sent a 13-year-old Robert to learn the Canadian style of hockey.

The youngster played a few months with the Foothills Elite peewee team in a spring-summer league and impressed those around him.

But that trip was the last time he visited the Stampede City and pretty much the last time he's spoken English.

People watching him at that time suggested Robert had the same skill level as his father but pointed out he played a more physical game.

Scouts say he continues to play aggressively, despite being only 5 ft. 11 in. and 180 lb.

Of course, Kent always shied away from the rough stuff but, as Robert pointed out, he was never really coached by his father.

Robert insisted he doesn't tap his dad for advice, even with a career in the NHL beckoning.

Father and son see each other once a month -- Kent lives about 300 km away in Stockholm -- and when they get together, the conversation steers clear of the sport, which is how both prefer it.

"I try not to talk about hockey with him," Robert said.

"I only talk to him a little bit, so we don't waste it on hockey talk."

Kent Nilsson still holds the Flames' single-season records for points and assists, setting both in the 1980-81 season -- 82 helpers to go along with 49 goals for 131 points.

He'd tally 230 goals with the Flames franchise before being traded to the Minnesota North Stars in '85 -- but it was his futility in the playoffs that frustrated Calgary fans.

In 33 playoff games with the Flames, Kent scored only four goals over the span of six seasons.

Nevertheless, he ended his NHL career with 264 goals and 422 assists in 553 regular-season games with Atlanta, Calgary, Minnesota and Edmonton.

Robert admitted he has a long way to go to achieve what his father has done.

"I'm not that good yet," Robert said.

"I have a lot of practising to do. I think I'm a goal scorer but I'm not really sure."

He'll find out during the holidays playing against the best junior age players in the world, as his team attempts to win its first world championship since Playing in his "home" country, Robert knows the spotlight will shine brighter than ever.

"Of course ... It's a lot bigger when we play in Canada," he said.

"There's 15,000 people at the games. That's about 10,000 more than we're used to playing in front of here."

His team departs from Sweden this week and will spend Christmas in Nova Scotia getting prepared for the tournament.

He doesn't mind giving up the holidays to pursue his passion, even if it means spending Christmas in a hotel.

"And New Year's," he added.

"But I'd rather be playing hockey than enjoying Christmas."

Video:

#9 Nilsson scores two goals and is interviewed. Video is in Swedish. Provided by svt.se. Need RealPlayer. Very Cool!

11/21/02 SEL Boxscore

Comments:
Unbelievable! 17-year old Robert Nilsson celebrated his perhaps best night as a hockey player ever. The very talented Robert scored impressing 2 goals and 3 assists when Leksand outplayed Linköping 9-2. Robert was moved up from the 4th-line to the 3rd before the game, and the new line which included Robert, Niklas Eriksson and Henrik Nordfeldt was an immediate success. Those 3 were involved in 6 of Leksand's goals. If Robert will remain on the line he will likely put up plenty more points...

No Robert Nilsson in the latest U-20 squad

The Swedish U-20 team that will compete in the 4 nations tournament held in Czech Rep has been announced. The tournament starts on the 8th of November.
Many were wondering if Robert Nilsson would get a shot this time but he was left off the team. He is however a back-up at home and will join the team if someone gets injured.

Marcus Paulsson was named to the team.

Author: Johan Nilsson, eliteprospects.com

Robert Nilsson stays with Leksand after all

First he was supposed to stay with Leksand. A bit later he had already signed with Djurgården..., now it's confirmed that top prospect Robert Nilsson will stay with Leksand. He has been training very hard this summer and is hoping to make his elite league debut.

Author: Johan Nilsson, eliteprospects.com

Robert Nilsson to Djurgården?

One of Sweden's most talented players, Robert Nilsson, is hoping to leave Leksand to play with last years Swedish Champions Djurgården. This comes as no big surprise considering that Robert has always been fond of the team, by the way the same team his successful father, Kent Nilsson, played with 4 seasons.

This past season Robert's old team Leksand played in the 2nd-tier league but were promoted. Robert will probably see more ice-time with Djurgården then he did with Leksand. He played only 14 games with the team this season and registered 1 goal and 4 assists.

Author: Johan Nilsson, eliteprospects.com

Robert Nilsson Poll  -  Sportszonen
www.leksandstars.com - Robert Nilsson's team
Like Father - Like Son - Aftonbladet, 6/21/03
Robert Nilsson Stays with Leksands  -  Aftonbladet, 4/13/03
Robert Nilsson Breaks Foot  -  Aftonbladet, 4/10/03