Dower Nilsson signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings in April 2026. His deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $990K and runs through the 2028-29 season. Dower Nilsson scored six goals and totaled 16 points for Frolunda HC (SHL) last season, while adding four points in six postseason contests. The 21-year-old forward is expected to spend time with Grand Rapids (AHL) next fall as he transitions to professional hockey in North America.

Dower Nilsson looked to establish himself in the SHL in 2024 after he missed almost his entire D+1 season due to multiple shoulder injuries that required surgery. The results? He has a lot of catching up to do. He appeared in 35 games for Frolunda for his first full season in the SHL, tallying four goals, six assists for 10 pints and barely getting any usage during the playoffs. Season-ending injuries during critical development time in a prospect’s career typically does not bode well for their long-term outlook. That being said, Dower Nilsson has two more years in Sweden before the Red Wings need to make a decision on signing him. If he can find his game, develop his skating, quick processing, and stay in the lineup consistently, he might have a shot of transitioning over to North America in 2027 to keep his NHL dreams alive. Otherwise, he might be destined as a career SHLer.

The 2023 third round pick appeared in 37 games for Frolunda’s junior team this past season, registering 26 goals and 28 assists. He then shined at the World Junior Championships with two goals and four assists in seven games for the Tre Kronor. The 18-year-old center joins his brother Liam, who was also drafted by the Wings as a fifth round pick in 2021. During the 2022-23 campaign, the younger of the Dower Nilsson brothers got his first taste of playing against men. He saw three games of action with Frolunda in the SHL and made his debut skating alongside his older brother. Dower Nilsson is known as an offensive playmaker who can drive play in the neutral zone, but who also is not afraid to shoot the puck when the opportunity rises. He is strong on the forecheck and possesses the 200-foot game that Detroit looks for. While at development camp, the 73rd overall pick admitted to have some shoulder issues this past season and recently underwent surgery, putting him on the shelf for two months. While he will miss the World Junior Summer Showcase, he is expected to suit up for Frolunda once again this upcoming season, where his game will continue to evolve. The Red Wings organization may have found themselves another steal in the third round. He is one to keep an eye on for 2023-24 season.

Dower Nilsson was selected 73rd overall by the Red Wings.

With a comfortable lead in points among draft eligibles in the J20 Nationell, it’s safe to say that Dower Nilsson’s season has been a success. You’ll regularly find Dower Nilsson receiving a pass in the upper inside corner of the left faceoff circle and quickly firing a shot or pass off. Additionally, he can beat goalies from short-range or clean-up net front if needed. Overall, Dower Nilsson plays an aggressive, offensive-minded game, which also includes his strength on the forecheck. An area for improvement in Dower Nilsson’s game is his skating. Though he has proven some agility and average skating, his offensive toolkit would improve further with quicker, stronger skating. His play in the J20 this season makes it evident that Dower Nilsson deserves an opportunity at the next level. In recent years, Frölunda has proved to be a challenging team to earn time in as a draft-eligible, so chances professionally may require a loan at some point.